Broadband ExpansionJanuary 25, 2024
Spectrum Completes Gigabit Broadband Expansion in Benzie County, Michigan, Launching Mobile, TV and Voice Services
Spectrum Internet With Starting Speeds of 300 Mbps Now Available to More Than 1,900 Previously Unserved Homes and Small Businesses
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Network Buildout is Part of Spectrum’s $5 Billion, Multiyear Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Investment in Rural Broadband
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation*, today announced Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services are available to more than 1,900 homes and small businesses across Benzie County. Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout in Benzie County is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion RDOF-related investment in unserved rural communities, partly offset by $1.2 billion in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction.
The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to 1.3 million customer locations across 24 states in the coming years. Spectrum has also won more than $700 million in state broadband expansion subsidies, which, combined with Spectrum investment, will connect another 300,000 homes and small businesses.
“Having access to high-speed internet is so important these days”, said Justin Durga, owner of JD’s Roofing and Exteriors in Beulah. “We are a year-round company, and having Spectrum internet allows us to stay connected with our customers and prospective customers, even in the winter.”
“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Michigan and across America through RDOF,” said Thomas Yates, Vice President of Construction leading Spectrum’s Michigan and Indiana buildouts. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in previously unserved portions of Benzie County. We are providing residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and 100% U.S.-based customer service.”
Broadband Speeds up to 1 Gbps, Plus Money-Saving Mobile Options and 85,000 On Demand Choices
Spectrum Internet delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and small business customers, featuring starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers customers 1 Gbps download speeds, with 300 Mbps and 600 Mbps options. The company has also begun a network evolution that will provide gigabit upstream speeds and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire 41-state service area.
“Bringing high-speed connectivity to Northern Michigan families remains a top priority for me. Thanks to the partnership between Charter and the FCC, high-speed Internet is arriving at more homes and businesses that have not had reliable connectivity,” said U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. “This is another great step in the right direction for those who call Northern Michigan home.”
Spectrum Internet exceeded advertised download and upload speeds for all tiers measured — even during peak weeknight usage between 7 and 11 p.m. — according to the FCC’s most recent “Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report” issued in January 2023.
“More parts of rural Benzie County now have access to high-speed internet, which has become a necessity for opportunities and growth,” said State Senator John Bumstead. “I’m thankful for Spectrum’s continued partnership to deliver connectivity services to our most rural communities.”
State Representative John Roth added, “I am excited Spectrum has further expanded its broadband network to improve the lives of Benzie County residents. The federal RDOF program and Spectrum’s investment is a win for the county’s families and businesses.”
Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available also include Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum TV®. Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider** and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced Home WiFi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. Spectrum Mobile provides customers access to nationwide 5G at great value, with Unlimited lines starting at $29.99 a month, as well as By the Gig options.
Spectrum TV offers more than 270 HD channels and access to 85,000 On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App — the highest-rated pay TV streaming app in the U.S.*** — viewers can stream content across a growing number of platforms, including iOS and Android mobile devices, Xbox One, Kindle Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Xumo TVs and PCs.
Local residents and business owners should visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about their home or business being able to receive Spectrum services.
* Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.
** Based on year end 2022 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.
*** iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of Oct. 1, 2023. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of Oct. 1, 2023.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 32 million customers in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise® provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
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