Comcast to upgrade Internet service in parts of Armstrong County

Comcast announced it is offering its fastest high-speed internet service to 21 additional communities in Armstrong County.

Comcast is among a handful of internet providers serving Armstrong County, including Salsgiver Inc. and Windstream Communications.

The high-speed service, known as gigabit service, now will be available to residential and business customers in Gilpin, Kiski, Parks, Bethel, Manor, Elderton, Dayton, Rural Valley, Cowanshannock, Pine, Madison, Burrell, Southbend, Rayburn, East Franklin, Sugarcreek, Mahoning, Valley, Boggs, Plumcreek and Washington Township.

“Well, it’s about time,” said Patrick Bono, Kiski Township secretary.

“We have pretty bad internet out here and this will be pretty nice,” he said.

But it’s up to the internet providers to offer service in any area. Bono added the township doesn’t have anything to do with the provider companies.

Greg Wells, a Comcast vice president of marketing, said customers in the Armstrong County area can have faster speeds, state-of-the-art gateways with WiFi 6 technology, wall-to-wall WiFi coverage, personalized tools and controls and advanced cybersecurity protection.

Rural areas traditionally have been lacking adequate internet service. But the Comcast service improvement in Armstrong County might lend itself to more future upgrades, said state Rep. Donna Oberlander, R-Clarion, in a statement.

“The pandemic underscored the need for faster, more reliable internet,” she said. “I’m pleased to see Comcast making these improvements within its service territory.”