ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Spectrum today announced that it will soon be launching Spectrum Internet, mobile, TV and voice services to homes and small businesses in rural and previously underserved portions of Muskingum County, Ohio. The announcement was made today at an event in Zanesville where the company, elected officials and community leaders highlighted the many benefits of Spectrum’s network expansion projects across the region.
Spectrum is taking significant steps to close Muskingum County’s digital divide through two major projects. The first is the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). Construction began in 2022 and will enable broadband services at an estimated 3,210 locations. Activations for this project have begun in portions of Highland, Rich Hill, Salt Creek and Washington townships and work is continuing throughout the county. The second project announced today is an Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant that will expand broadband services to an additional 1,795 locations.
When complete, more than 5,000 homes and small businesses across the county will have access to broadband and other services for the first time.
“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to underserved communities across America through RDOF and other state and local programs like our agreement with Muskingum County,” said Jeff Gehrig, regional vice president of operations. “Our investment enables the delivery of high-quality broadband, wireless, TV and voice services that are already available in parts of Muskingum County. We offer residents and small businesses outstanding connectivity at extremely competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and US-based customer service.”
US Rep. Troy Balderson says the commitment of Spectrum, the federal government and the state of Ohio is vital to the county’s growth, prosperity and well-being.
“Ohioans in rural communities need access to high-speed internet, especially as more aspects of our lives require reliable connectivity,” said Balderson. “From helping our seniors access telemedicine services to ensuring students have access to educational resources, we must ensure no community is forgotten. The FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) expansion of Spectrum is bringing broadband access to those most in need throughout Muskingum County and beyond.”
Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber optic network rollout in the county is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion RDOF-related investment in underserved rural communities, including $1 billion raised in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction became. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately one million customer locations in 24 states over the next few years, the FCC estimates.
State Senator Al Landis says broadband is critical in our rapidly expanding digital world and today’s announcement is an important step in ensuring it’s available to as many Ohioans as possible.
“I’m excited that Spectrum’s broadband network is reaching underserved families in Muskingum County and helping us bridge the digital divide here in rural Ohio. A fast and reliable internet connection is what my constituents need to thrive in today’s world and this announcement is a step in the right direction.”
Broadband speeds of up to 1Gbps, plus cost-saving cellular options and 85,000 on-demand options
Spectrum Internet offers speeds of up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for both residential and small business customers with starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers its customers plans with initial download speeds of 300 Mbps, with options of 600 Mbps and 1 Gbps.
Spectrum Internet offers the fastest Internet and WiFi download speeds* in the nation, and also exceeds advertised download and upload speeds for all measured levels—even during peak weekday use between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.—according to the latest FCC study “Measuring Broadband America Fixed”. Broadband Report,” published January 2023.
Spectrum has also been a day-one participant in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible families in financial need with high-quality, high-speed Internet service at little or no cost. All Spectrum internet plans are eligible for ACP credits and because customers are not locked into a contract, families can always choose the right broadband plan to meet their changing needs.
In addition to multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available include Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum TV®. Spectrum Mobile is the country’s fastest-growing wireless carrier** and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced Home WiFi to deliver seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. Spectrum Mobile offers customers access to nationwide 5G at a great value, with unlimited connections starting at $29.99 per month and by-the-gig options.
Spectrum TV offers more than 270 HD channels and access to 85,000 on-demand movies and shows. The Spectrum TV App – the #1 rated pay TV streaming app in the US*** – lets viewers stream content on a growing number of platforms including iOS and Android mobile devices, Xbox One, Kindle Fire, Samsung Smart TVs and Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, XUMO TVs and PCs.
Residents and business owners should visit Spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be eligible for Spectrum services.
*Based on Ookla® analysis of Speedtest Intelligence® data, average fixed download speeds in the US for Q1 2023. Ookla trademarks are used under license and reprinted with permission.
** Based on year-end 2022 subscriber data among top 3 providers.
***Average ratings for iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) as of April 1, 2023. Apps must have at least 150,000 ratings through a combination of iOS and Android store ratings as of April 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. Through an advanced communications network, the company offers a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art personal and business services, including Spectrum Internet®, TV, mobile and voice.
For small and medium-sized businesses, Spectrum Business® offers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with specialized features and applications to increase productivity, while for larger businesses and government agencies, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for today’s media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. For more information on charter, visit corporate.charter.com.
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