Comcast launching 1-gigabit internet service in Charleston

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Comcast plans to launch new internet service that will deliver speeds up to 1 gigabit per second to residential and business customers in Charleston.

The service will be available in late April. Comcast said customers and businesses need faster speeds to support the growing number of devices in homes and offices.

“We know that cities such as Charleston that can offer this type of advanced technology have an easier time attracting new businesses and residents, as technology is a critical consideration,” Alex Horwitz, Comcast’s vice president of public relations, said in an email.

Existing infrastructure can handle the faster speeds, meaning no construction is necessary. The company will deliver the service over a cable modem — using Docsis 3.1 technology — using existing wiring in homes and businesses.

“For businesses in particular, this will encourage their continued growth and support cloud-based technology,” Horwitz said.

Wow announced its launch of 1 gigabit-per-second internet service to residential and business customers in Charleston in January.

Comcast said it has worked to improve internet speeds, including expanding its national Wi-Fi network to 19 million hotspots and doubling its network capacity every 18 to 24 months.

Comcast also opened its Center of Excellence in North Charleston last year, with plans to hire 550 people for customer care and technical support jobs.