Submitted by Comcast
For the first time, homes and businesses in Brooks are beginning to connect to Comcast’s high-speed, fiber-powered internet, an upgrade that is critical to the area’s future.
Comcast announced that nearly 200 homes and businesses in Brooks have already been connected to new multi-gig, symmetrical internet service, with construction continuing throughout the year. Once complete, more than 700 properties in the unincorporated community north of Salem will have access to reliable, high-speed broadband, bringing Brooks closer to the level of connectivity enjoyed in larger cities across Oregon.
The expansion is part of a broader effort to improve broadband infrastructure throughout Marion County, where access to fast and dependable internet has become essential for education, healthcare, commerce, and everyday life.
Why Broadband Matters in Rural and Growing Communities
Brooks sits at the intersection of agriculture, small business, and residential growth. For many residents, limited connectivity has made it harder to work remotely, access telehealth appointments, or support students who rely on online learning tools.
High-speed internet is increasingly viewed as core infrastructure—no different than roads, water, or electricity—particularly in rural and semi-rural communities.
“Reliable broadband opens the door to opportunity,” said Keith Turner, senior vice president for Comcast’s Pacific Northwest Region. “For the first time, Brooks residents and businesses will have access to advanced internet and mobile services that allow them to work, learn, and stay connected in ways that weren’t possible before.”
Brooks Joins a Countywide Network Expansion
The Brooks project is one piece of a larger wave of broadband investment across Marion County. In recent years, Comcast has expanded network access in communities including Hubbard, Mt. Angel, Silverton, Stayton, Sublimity, and Woodburn.
Since 2021, nearly 20,000 additional homes and businesses in Marion County have gained access to high-speed internet through network expansions. Statewide, Comcast reports investing more than $500 million in network infrastructure over the past three years, part of a push to meet increasing demand for bandwidth in both urban and rural areas.
For Marion County, improved connectivity supports economic growth, workforce development, and small business resilience—particularly as more employers and entrepreneurs rely on cloud-based tools and digital services.
What Residents and Businesses Can Expect
With the new network, Brooks residents can access a full range of residential services, including high-speed internet, mobile phone service, streaming and television platforms, and home security options. Local businesses, from farms and food producers to service providers, will also be able to take advantage of faster, more reliable internet through Comcast Business services.
Construction will continue throughout the year, and residents can check availability and timing by entering their address at Xfinity.com/mytown.
Closing the Digital Divide in Marion County
Beyond infrastructure, broadband expansion plays a key role in addressing digital opportunity challenges. Comcast offers low-cost internet options through its Internet Essentials program for qualifying households and works with local nonprofits to support digital skills training and community Wi-Fi access points, known as Lift Zones.
These initiatives are designed to ensure that improved connectivity reaches families, students, and seniors who might otherwise be left behind, helping more Marion County residents fully participate in an increasingly digital economy.
Looking Ahead
As Brooks gains access to reliable, future-ready internet, the impact is expected to ripple throughout the community, supporting education, attracting investment, and strengthening the local economy. Countywide, continued broadband expansion reflects a growing recognition that connectivity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
For Brooks and communities across Marion County, faster internet isn’t just about speed; it’s about access, opportunity, and staying connected.
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