The city of Wayzata is celebrating the completion of a $2.5 million expansion of broadband services thanks to an investment by Comcast. The expansion brings its fiber-rich network to more than 2,300 Wayzata homes and businesses.
“They saw a need and the incredible opportunity to invest in our small businesses, our multi-national businesses, our city government, our students, and our residents,” said Wayzata Mayor Johanna Mouton.
Mayor Moulton and Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Mn) were among the dignitaries attending Comcast’s “Xfinity on Tour” public ribbon-cutting to mark the infrastructure development. The expanded access includes broadband speeds faster than 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) for homes and business speeds up to 100 Gbps.
“This is the first time we have competition for Internet service providers,” Moulton said. “Prior to this, we only had one option and this allows everyone the ability to get the service best suited to them and brings some healthy competition to the marketplace.”
Held June 30 at Wayzata West Middle School, Xfinity on Tour was a community event that allowed Comcast team members to meet the community and offer demonstrations. The festive family-friendly ribbon-cutting included a balloon artist, face painter, donuts, and ice cream giveaways.
“We are a small community of less than 5000 people but we bring in thousands of visitors every year; we’re a destination where people come to shop and dine,” said Wyatt Area Chamber of Commerce president Becky Pierson. “To have a partner like Comcast help with connections has been tremendous.”
As part of its commitment, Comcast offers eligible underserved residents and minority-owned businesses grants for Internet service.
“In the last three years we actually invested over $437 million in network expansion throughout the Twin Cities area and we aren’t going to stop,” said Kalyn Hove, Comcast regional senior vice president
Hove noted that before the end of 2024, Comcast will also expand its advanced WiFi technology into the Carver County community of Cologne. With funding support from the State of Minnesota’s Border to Border Broadband program, Comcast will also extend its network into Rogers and Corcoran in northwestern Hennepin County.
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