COLUSA, CA (MPG) — The Colusa Indian Community Council (CICC) hosted a celebration on Thursday, November 6, 2025, marking a major partnership to bring high-speed internet to hundreds of previously unserved residents. Leaders from Comcast, the CICC, and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) gathered to launch the public-private project.
Beyond the major infrastructure commitment, the event highlighted an immediate dedication to local community needs. Comcast announced a $5,000 contribution to the Friends of the Colusa County Free Library to support its annual fundraising efforts. This generous donation was immediately praised by Colusa County District 5 Supervisor Janice Bell.
“Comcast’s support of the Friends of the Library is so very much appreciated, especially during these financially trying times within the County,” said Supervisor Bell.
The core focus of the gathering was the $3.2 million Federal Funding Account Grant from the CPUC, combined with private funding from Comcast. This investment will bring the fast, reliable Xfinity network to over 250 previously unserved homes and businesses in rural areas of Colusa County.
“We are so thrilled to be here today and really to celebrate a partnership,” said Zenia Zaveri, President of Community and Government Affairs with Comcast. “We’ll continue to invest in public-private partnerships like this to bring back the last mile broadband to neighborhood communities all across the country.”
For the Colusa Indian Community, this project represents more than a technical upgrade.
“Expanding broadband infrastructure is more than a technical achievement. It is about opportunity, and connection,” said Fernanda Vanetta, Grant Administrator for the CICC.
Vanetta explained that reliable access would mean students could access education, elders could utilize tribal telehealth services, and local businesses could operate on an equal playing field.
“We’re building the foundation for greater access, growth, and opportunity for generations to come,” Vanetta said.
Darcie Houck, Commissioner of the CPUC, commended the partnership, calling these “the types of projects that we really need to be supporting.” She stressed that broadband buildout must be prioritized, saying, “It’s absolutely critical for the state and for our economy to make sure every single person and community in California is connected.”
Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, who represents Colusa County, recalled her eight years of legislative work dedicated to broadband expansion. She celebrated the project as the successful implementation of policy.
“We’re changing people’s lives in rural communities. We’re changing tribal lives as well,” she said.
Aguiar-Curry reflected on past challenges, noting that the fight to make broadband a statewide priority “laid the groundwork for moments like this, moments that recognize that broadband isn’t a luxury. It’s infrastructure, it’s essential.”