The city of Cape Coral on Tuesday reached an agreement with Comcast to extend its cable system in an effort to encourage the expansion of broadband and other cable-related services.

The city will contribute $500,000 to the project, which will benefit Cape Coral residents, especially those in the northwest and northeast Cape Coral, the extension area, which is unserved and/or underserved from a broadband perspective, according to city spokesperson Melissa Mickey.

Comcast will incur a share of the costs as well to extend its facilities. The total project cost is estimated at $14.3 million.

Many residents have complained about slow download and upload speeds on their internet service.

“In an ongoing effort to enhance the lives of Cape Coral residents, the city hopes the service expansion agreement will improve broadband service to the residents of Cape Coral,” Mickey said in an e-mail.

The extended facilities will be owned, operated and maintained by Comcast.

Comcast expects work to begin within two weeks after permits are granted, with completion expected in about six months, but no more than a year, Mickey said, adding she was not sure of exactly when the project would begin.