Comcast to expand broadband network into Calhoun [Video]

CALHOUN, La. (KNOE) – Comcast is expanding its broadband network to more than 1,000 homes and businesses in Ouachita Parish.

The company hosted a “Digital Expansion Rally” at Central Elementary School in Calhoun on Thursday, Nov. 21 to celebrate the expansion. Comcast also surprised Central students with free laptops.

More than 1,000 homes will have access to faster internet because of this expansion.

The expansion is part of a $1.9 million grant from the state’s Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) program.

“You know, recently, I saw a national survey that said that 92% of jobs require digital skills – skills that you get in school, but unfortunately, a third of U.S. workers do not have the digital skills that they would need beyond high school or beyond college,” said Ouachita Parish School System Superintendent Todd Guice.

Ouachita Parish Police Juror Larry Bratton of District C said he believes this …