Spectrum technician crew working on broadband expansion project

Broadband ExpansionOctober 10, 2022

Spectrum Begins Construction on Broadband Network Expansion in Wexford County, Michigan

Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Buildout will Provide Gigabit Broadband and Additional Services from U.S. News & World Report’s Best Internet Service Provider for Rural Areas

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Buildout to Reach OVER 4700 Homes and Small Businesses in Wexford County

TRAVERSE CITY,  Mich. — Spectrum today announced construction is underway on a fiber-optic network expansion project that will bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to over 4700 homes and small businesses in Wexford County, Michigan. Spectrum services are available to some residents and small business owners in the buildout area beginning today. 

The buildout is part of Spectrum’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural areas, which includes more than $1 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1 million customer locations as estimated by the FCC across 24 states in the coming years.

“Broadband is a vital resource for work, learning and personal connection,” said Thomas Yates, Vice President of Construction leading Spectrum’s Michigan and Indiana buildouts. “Leveraging resources won in the RDOF auction, we’re building a high-speed, high-capacity network that will bring gigabit internet to thousands of homes and small businesses in Wexford County — an investment that will ensure families and businesses can participate fully in the digital world, now and well into the future.”

“Many Michiganders remain unserved with no internet access at home,” said U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, “Spectrum’s network expansion through the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund will bring access and opportunity to families and students, and boost our economy that keeps people working.”

State Senator Curt VanderWall states, “I’ve been a longtime supporter of expanding internet access to Michigan’s rural residents. Spectrum’s expansion into Michigan’s 35th Senate District will bring high-speed access to many families so they can access health care, education, and entertainment from the comfort of home.”

“Michigan’s rural population needs access to reliable internet now more than ever,” said State Representative Michele Hoitenga, “Home internet allows Michigan’s rural residents to access telemedicine, work remotely, and participate in virtual learning.”

Spectrum Internet® has been consecutively ranked as one of the best internet service providers by U.S. News & World Report, and also earned the highest rating among the Best Internet Service Providers for Rural Areas. Spectrum Internet also 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 December 2021.

Broadband Speeds up to 1 Gbps, Plus Money-Saving Mobile Options and 85,000 On Demand Choices

Spectrum offers customers a best-in-class suite of products, highlighted by Spectrum Internet® plans with speeds up to 1 Gbps for both residential customers and small business clients, starting speeds of 300 Mbps and no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum was also a day one participant in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which makes quality, high-speed internet service available at a low — or even at no — cost to eligible families in financial need. All Spectrum Internet plans are eligible for ACP credits. 

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services will also include Spectrum TV® and Spectrum Mobile. Local residents and business owners should visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services.

Spectrum Mobile, available exclusively to Spectrum Internet customers, combines the fastest overall speeds* with the best devices and a choice of Unlimited or By the Gig data plans. Spectrum Mobile provides customers the highest-quality experience, including access to nationwide 5G, at great value (two or more lines starting at $29.99 a month, saving customers up to $1,000 a year**). Spectrum TV offers more than 200 HD channels and access to 85,000 On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App, 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 and PCs.

* Fastest Overall Speeds claim based on Global Wireless Solutions’ combined cellular and WiFi speed test results in Spectrum service area where WiFi is available. Cellular speeds vary by location.

** Savings based on 2-line comparison of unlimited plans among major national carriers as of 09/2021; prepaid excluded; data usage limits vary by carrier. Spectrum Internet required. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.

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, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

Media Contact

Bill Morand

William.Morand@charter.com