Comcast Business said it spent $1.85 million to install a new 70-mile fiber ring in Detroit.
The installation will deliver network speeds of up to 100 Gbps to local businesses of all size, the operator said.
"In Detroit, in particular, we've made a lot of investments," said Irma Clark, senior director of marketing strategy and development for Comcast Business, to Crains Detroit Business. "We recognize that fiber is going to enable the growth Detroit is seeing and is going to meet demands of that growth.”
Clark said over the last two years Comcast has invested $8.5 million in its fiber-based network infrastructure across Detroit. It has invested about $37 million statewide over the past three years.
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WideOpenWest and RocketFiber, the ISP owned by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, have also announced major Motor City network investments recently.
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"As our region seeks to attract more tech pioneers and startups, an investment like this … is one more reason why they should consider Detroit," said Peter Chapman, executive VP of business development for the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., in a statement. "Businesses from virtually every industry and of all sizes have the need for robust, reliable bandwidth.”
For Comcast Business, it’s the second network expansion project announced this week. Comcast Business is beefing up its Pennsylvania Ethernet network capabilities, announcing a $1.7 million investment to expand its fiber-based network in Harrisburg. This network build will allow the cable MSO to reach over 600 additional businesses directly and benefit hundreds more by making the network more accessible.