Comcast is expanding its services to more than 300 homes and businesses in Clinton starting in the new year.

According to a press release, the telecommunications company has begun construction to increase broadband access. When completed in early 2024, the network expansion will offer Xfinity Internet services with residential broadband speeds faster than 1 gigabit per second and Comcast Business Internet speeds up to 100 gigabits per second.

The lack of access to reliable internet service on some parts of Whidbey Island during the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent, as students had to complete assignments online and people began working from home.

Xfinity’s Internet Essentials program provides low-cost, high-speed broadband for households of modest means. Since 2011, this program has connected more than 2,500 Island County residents. The press release stated that Comcast also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers qualifying households a $30 monthly credit toward internet and mobile services.

According to the website broadbandsearch.net, Clinton residents have a number of options for internet service providers besides Comcast, including StarTouch Broadband, Viasat, HughesNet, Whidbey Telecom, EarthLink Fiber and Wave, among others.