As Florida enters the height of hurricane season, one thing is certain. Preparation is everything. For a telecommunications leader like Comcast, preparation doesn’t begin with the first warning, it’s a year-round mission rooted in strategy, service and technology.
Staying connected goes beyond convenience. It keeps lines of communication open and enables safety and recovery for impacted communities. From advanced technology to boots-on-the-ground crews, Comcast is working to ensure Floridians can rely on their Xfinity and Comcast Business services during storm season.
BUILT FOR RESILIENCE
Over the past several years, Comcast has invested millions of dollars to strengthen its network infrastructure across the peninsula. Those measures include burying fiber lines, installing backup power systems, and building redundancies into the infrastructure to minimize downtime during and after severe weather.
“We’ve designed our network with redundancy and resilience in mind,” says Mike Fisher, Vice President of Construction for Comcast’s Florida Region. “From elevating power supplies to building more flood resistant structures, every decision we make is about keeping customers connected — even in the toughest conditions.”
One standout project: a $72 million investment in Southwest Florida that included rebuilding 70 miles of network across Sanibel and Captiva Islands and laying a 10-mile underground fiber line from the mainland. These enhancements aren’t just about faster speeds. They’re about ensuring continuous service for our community when they need it most.
SMART TECHNOLOGY, FASTER RESPONSE
Comcast’s network is powered by advanced artificial intelligence and automation tools that monitor performance in real-time. These systems can detect potential issues before they become problems, reroute network traffic around damaged areas, and alert technicians to outages instantly in the field.
“Our systems give us eyes on the network 24/7,” says Elena Kilpatrick, Vice President of Technical Operations. “We can identify outages, dispatch crews and communicate with customers faster than ever before. It’s all about speed, accuracy and transparency.”
The Xfinity app also plays a key role, offering real-time updates on outages and a direct line of communication with customers.
During major weather events, Comcast can open up more than 360,000 WiFi hotspots so Floridians can stay online. Following back-to-back hurricanes in 2024, the company made those hotspots available for free across the state.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE RESPONSE
While technology is essential, it’s Comcast’s people who bring the storm response to life. Technicians, engineers, and support staff train year-round for hurricane season, participating in drills and coordinating with local emergency management teams.
When a storm is imminent, Comcast activates its emergency response plan and pre-positions crews and equipment in strategic locations. This proactive approach allows for faster restoration once conditions are safe.
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, technicians witnessed fifirsthand the impact they had on the community. They worked to restore internet services as fast and as safely as possible in hard hit areas, including bringing business customers back online quickly so they could continue serving their communities.
“I’m incredibly proud of how our teams respond under pressure,” says Jeff Buzzelli, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Florida Region. “They’re not just restoring service. They’re restoring a sense of normalcy. And they do it with professionalism, compassion and urgency.”
LOOKING AHEAD
As storms grow more frequent and intense, Comcast is expanding its efforts. More undergrounding, more smart infrastructure and more community partnerships are all part of the plan.
“We’re not just preparing for the next storm. We’re preparing for the next decade,” says Fisher. “Florida deserves a network that’s as strong and resilient as its people.”
A PROMISE TO FLORIDA
Comcast’s message to Florida is clear. When the next storm comes, we’ll be ready. With cutting-edge technology, a fortified network and a dedicated team standing by, Comcast is committed to keeping the state connected — no matter what the forecast says.
In the moments that matter most, connection isn’t a luxury. It’s a lifeline.
Comcast (NASDAQ: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity and Comcast Business; produce, distribute and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, and Peacock; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations Experiences.
Visit florida.comcast.com for more information.