Xfinity Outages Hit Thousands in 3 States as Heat Wave and Storms Damage Broadband
Updated
Updated · The News Journal · Jul 8
Xfinity Outages Hit Thousands in 3 States as Heat Wave and Storms Damage Broadband
3 articles · Updated · The News Journal · Jul 8
Summary
Thousands of Xfinity customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey lost internet over the July 4 weekend, with some still offline as of July 8.
Comcast blamed record heat and severe thunderstorms, while Delaware technology officials said storms can damage aerial broadband lines and extreme heat can slow repairs for worker safety.
State officials said buried lines generally withstand heat better, though extreme cold can degrade service when hardened ground affects infrastructure.
Delaware said it uses a mix of public and private networks to keep core services and public safety resources online during severe weather even if one carrier fails.
More than $27 million in federal broadband funds, matched by about $75 million from Verizon and Comcast, is being used to expand service to over 4,000 Delaware homes and businesses.