Comcast outlines Pulaski County rural broadband build; says 951 properties will require private easements

Solomon Graves, government affairs manager for Comcast, told the Pulaski County Quorum Court that the company was selected for a state rural broadband award that will extend service to 2,224 previously unserved locations in the county.

"This does not in any way, change ownership of those properties in whole or in part," Graves said, describing the private easements Comcast will seek to install and maintain fiber‑optic lines. He said Comcast identified 951 locations that will require private easements and listed the precinct breakdown as: District 1 — 335; District 7 — 10; District 9 — 487; District 11 — 108; District 13 — 11.

Graves said the deployment will use a mix of aerial and underground construction depending on site conditions. He said county residents will be approached on site by representatives who will be branded as authorized Comcast agents and who will be prepared to present notarized agreements. "All notary and filing fees will be covered by Comcast. There will be no financial burden placed on the property owners," he said.

Justices questioned whether property owners could refuse an easement and how refusals would affect network routing. "Legally, yes," Graves replied, but he warned that a refusal at one location can "inhibit deployments down the line." Justice Davis and others asked whether yards would be dug up; Graves said it would depend on whether the route required aerial or underground work and that Comcast will explain impacts to property owners during on‑site engagement.

Several justices urged county involvement in outreach to reduce confusion. Justice Persson recommended co‑branded signage and materials. Graves said Comcast will work with the judge's office on co‑branded letters and that the company can provide door tags and signage with contact information.

No formal court action was taken on the presentation. Graves asked for the court's cooperation in public validation and communication as the company proceeds toward a projected completion in "next spring," and offered to supply materials through the county's channels.