First Comcast overbuild hookups go to Old Dover Road complex

ROCHESTER - Comcast on Thursday announced it has connected the first city residential customers to its services, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of its network into the City of Rochester.

The expansion announcement and cable franchise agreement with the city was signed last year and will ultimately mean Rochester businesses and residents will be able to choose between two cable providers - Comcast and Atlantic Broadband - something rarely seen throughout the country.

The multi-phase, street-by-street "overbuild" is projected to be completed by the end of 2019.

"Overbuilding" is a term that refers to when a competing cable operator builds a cable network system in an area already serviced by a cable operator.

Recently, dozens of homes at The Village at Clark Brook were among the first connected addresses in the city. Other residential properties and businesses will be activated later this year and in 2019.

In addition, the company opened an Xfinity Store in Dover at Shaw's Shopping Plaza. The store will give visitors a hands-on, interactive experience with Xfinity's suite of products and services, a Comcast press released on Thursday noted.

City Manager Blaine Cox welcomed the so-called overbuild.

"We appreciate Comcast's investment to bring its innovative products and services to Rochester residents and businesses," said Cox. "I know Rochester consumers and business owners welcome the opportunity to have a new choice when it comes to their communications and entertainment services provider, and we look forward to having them as part of our community."

Comcast officials also expressed satisfaction with the Rochester milestone.

"We are delighted to be responding to consumers and businesses who have long expressed their desire for Xfinity and Comcast Business products and services," said Tracy Pitcher, Senior Vice President for Comcast's Greater Boston Region, which includes New Hampshire.

Rochester is already served by Atlantic Broadband, which bought out MetroCast in 2017 and officially took over as a city Internet and TV provider earlier this year.