Comcast gave away laptop computers to about 90 eighth graders in Caruthers on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The ceremony was part of the launch of a fiber network project for the Riverdale area. Photo by Ben Hensley

Comcast California, in partnership with Fresno County, held a groundbreaking event Tuesday announcing the arrival of Xfinity fiber network lines for about 162 unserved residents in Riverdale.

Along with the groundbreaking announcement, the internet provider also celebrated one year of serving the Caruthers community, surprising roughly 90 eighth-grade students with brand-new laptops. 

Comcast also gifted Caruthers Unified a $10,000 check.

It’s an investment that Comcast California Government Affairs Director Nathan Ahle said represents the provider’s commitment to rural communities.

“Providing funds to help their community education fund get started and providing these students with a tool that they can use in their high school career is very important to us,” Ahle said.

Fresno County District 4 Supervisor and Chairman Buddy Mendez highlighted the importance of connectivity.

Mendez, who lives in Riverdale, said closing the connection gap is the key to advancing education and development of youth in rural communities.

“It gives everybody a broad base to be able to get good internet and not have to rely on satellite internet or whatever else is out there,” Mendez said. 

“This is a really good deal for businesses too,” Mendez added. “Broadband internet allows businesses and entrepreneurs to reach a wider audience, expand their markets and customer reach.”

The new project in Riverdale was made possible by a $1 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission as well as private funding from Comcast.

Ahle said the project in Riverdale is expected to be completed in around 18 months.