"We are always looking for new ways to expand our services," Vice President of Commercial Services David Brown said.

Comcast is the largest cable television provider and the second largest Internet provider in the United States.

Prior to Comcast's expansion into downtown, businesses had other options such as dial-up or other service providers. However, there was limited IT support to assist with any issues a business may have encountered.

In the past Comcast had limited services downtown. Their coverage spanned from Marion Street to Ferry Street and from Front Street to Church Street.

The expansion had placed them into other areas of downtown including the bus depot and the Statesman Journal building as well as the convention center.

"We have divided the downtown area into three phases and continue to work, bringing our services to businesses in the core Salem downtown area," Comcast representative Theresa Davis said.

For now there is no timeline as to when the expansion will be complete.

"We are consistently looking to expand our footprint and ability to serve businesses downtown," Davis said.

Comcast services will be available to all types of businesses from restaurants to doctor offices.

The business class will offer Microsoft Communication Services, which give customers free access to services normally only available to larger business enterprises with a support staff.

"Even though they have an overwhelming presence in the business sector, small businesses have unique needs that aren't always catered to," Davis said.

As well as offering Internet services, Comcast also will offer Business Class Voice and Television services.

"This is something we're excited about, and something that has been received very well from the Salem business community," Davis said.
Roger Yost, owner of the Reed Opera House, said they have been using Qwest for their Internet needs but is excited about Comcast offering a faster Internet connection to the tenants of his building.

"It is great to have competition for our services and not have to rely on satellites for TV hook ups," he said.

According to Yost, the Comcast business classes will be a great opportunity for businesses that already occupy the Reed and for possible future tenants.

Yost said that Comcast representatives have been meeting with the tenants to let them know about their services. He also said three or four of them have already signed up.