Investing in the Greater Chicago Region

2024 has been a transformative year for Comcast, as we continue strengthening communities through cutting-edge fiber technology. This year, our expanded network brought fast, reliable Internet to more homes and businesses than ever before, helping connect people and power economic growth. 

Connecting Communities with Purpose 

Working closely with local governments, our local workforce has expanded Comcast’s network to provide our 99.9% reliable high-speed Internet to new homes and businesses in the region, including in Dixon, Vermilion County, and Whiteside County in Illinois, along with Berrien County in Michigan. From enabling seamless online learning and telehealth services to supporting small businesses and remote work, our efforts fuel economic growth and digital inclusion. 

“Our accomplishments this year are a direct result of our dedicated workforce, who are deeply committed to the communities they serve,” shared Smith.

Innovating for Extraordinary Experiences 

From launching our NOW services, which offer affordable pre-paid, no-contract service lines as well as WiFi Boost for our mobile customers, we prioritized accessible, customizable services. Milestones like the Paris Olympics brought moments of unity and joy, showcasing our commitment to engaging customer experiences. 

• Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile continue to offer some of the lowest prices with the broadest coverage around the state.  

• We launched Xfinity StreamSaver, a streaming bundle of Peacock, Netflix, and Apple TV+ that delivers savings of over 30% a year.  

• Continued meeting customers where they are, opening a new Xfinity store in South Elgin, IL with on-site experts to serve local needs. Click here to find a store location near you. 

Empowering Local Businesses 

From home entrepreneurs to enterprise-wide support, Comcast Business offers a suite of connectivity solutions to help organizations of all sizes achieve their goals with cutting edge cybersecurity. 

With initiatives extending beyond connectivity, read more about Comcast Business Unveils Mobile Masterpieces and “Makers Madness” Contest to Name The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. 

“Businesses today require robust, flexible connectivity,” said Jeff Cobb, Regional Vice President of Comcast Business. “We are proud to offer tailored connectivity solutions for businesses of all sizes in order to keep our local businesses online wherever work takes them.” 

Bridging the Digital Divide 

In addition to investing in our network, Comcast is also supporting communities through Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and create a future of unlimited possibilities. In 2024, we made significant progress in closing the digital inclusion gap: 

• Opened seven new Lift Zones, which provide free, secure WiFi hotspots at local community-based organizations, for a total of more than 100 Comcast Lift Zones in the Greater Chicago Region. To find a Lift Zone near you, click here. 

• Supported community organizations with $1 million in grants for digital learning programs. 

• Donated 900 laptops to students, families and organizations within our regional footprint.  

“We are especially proud of our community investment work this year,” said Grace Hong Duffin, Comcast’s Regional Vice President of External and Government Affairs. “Through Lift Zone expansions, laptop donations, and grants to support digital skills trainings, Comcast’s continued partnerships with community-based organizations in the region further our longstanding commitment to advancing digital equity in the communities we serve.” 

Team UP, Comcast’s always-on volunteer program, participated throughout the year in supporting non-profits and community organizations – from working the Northern Illinois Food Bank 5k to volunteering at Cradles to Crayons, where Comcast employees helped pack 35,000 backpacks of brand-new school supplies before the start of the school year for Chicago Public Schools students. 

Looking Ahead 

We’re hard at work preparing to bring customers even more of what they love in 2025.