Comcast Corp. has passed the halfway point of its Rio Rancho expansion project.
The company says it now serves more than 20,000 homes and businesses in the city.
“We’re excited to see the progress being made on Comcast’s network expansion into Rio Rancho,” Mayor Gregg Hull said in a news release. “As the project continues, we look forward to seeing even more residents gain access to Comcast’s services, ultimately expanding network provider options for Rio Rancho citizens.”
Hull acknowledged that the road to this point hasn’t been entirely smooth — residents have reported damage to their yards and water lines, trash left behind by construction crews, and other issues.
“Progress often comes with disruption, and while we haven’t been immune to challenges, we are thrilled to see Comcast crossing the halfway point of this project,” Hull said.
Comcast says the expansion includes Xfinity Internet service with speeds of more than one gigabit per second. That’s enough bandwidth for several users or dozens of devices simultaneously, depending on what tasks they’re performing.
The city said earlier Comcast is investing more than $150 million in the expansion.
“This investment in Rio Rancho brings advancements that reflect our community’s growth,” Hull said Wednesday.
The project is also being celebrated by members of the Rio Rancho business community.
“High-speed connectivity isn’t just about convenience as it has become the backbone of economic growth, attracting new industries, and strengthening our local economy,” Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Schalow said. “With this expansion, we’re not only creating opportunities for businesses but also ensuring our students have the tools they need to succeed.”
Among offerings available when construction is complete will be Comcast’s Xfinity suite of products and services, and the Comcast Business, Internet Essentials and Lift Zones programs, which cater to businesses, low-income families and students, respectively.
Comcast is also working with Rio Rancho Public Schools, R4 Creating, ReadWest Inc. and the Sandoval Economic Alliance.
“We are incredibly grateful for Comcast’s generous support of our digital literacy programming,” ReadWest Executive Director Cyndy Ratliff said. “Their partnership and support enable us to continue expanding our initiatives, providing more adult students with access to educational resources. In addition, having a Comcast Lift Zone at our location offers a reliable space for students to connect and learn.”
As construction is completed, the company plans to notify residents and businesses about when they can sign up for service; those interested can also find more details on construction timing and service availability by entering their addresses here.
Construction is scheduled to be fully complete by 2026.