CASS COUNTY, Texas — Spectrum today announced construction is underway on several fiber-optic network expansion projects that will ultimately deliver multi-gigabit speed internet and other Spectrum services to more than 5,000 homes and small businesses in Cass County.
Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation*, joined Cass County Judge Travis Ransom today, marking the company's investment to bring broadband to rural communities throughout the state of Texas – with the vast majority of expansion happening in East Texas, one of the most underserved regions in the nation.
"Today we're celebrating significant advancements to bring high-speed internet to unserved Cass County homes and businesses in partnership with Spectrum and community stakeholders – this is a win for the county's most rural areas," said Cass County Judge Travis Ransom.
Spectrum officials outlined an accelerated rural construction plan for Texas, that will include connecting an FCC-estimated 133,000 homes and small businesses through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). More than $586 million will be invested in Texas, which includes an expected private investment of at least $400 million by Charter and more than $186 million won in the Federal Communications Commission's RDOF auction. Through this effort, Spectrum services will be available in select Cass County locations beginning this fall, with work expected to be complete by spring 2025.
"The scale of our efforts to build out our services and connect rural communities in East Texas is a remarkable undertaking," said Michael Valentin, Texas Area Vice President of Field Operations, for Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity products and services. "Our teams have been working through farmland, prairies, marshes, and forests to connect rural homes and businesses. It's hard work, but we understand the urgency to help provide access in these underserved areas."
Valentin explained how timely execution of Spectrum's accelerated rural deployment plan is dependent on several external factors, such as expedited permitting processes from local and state government, and cooperation from local utility companies so Spectrum can attach fiber-optic cables to local utility poles.
"As we continue our work, strong partnerships with utility companies, counties and municipalities are crucial to keep projects moving smoothly," said Valentin. "Having the support of the community and a shared sense of urgency with help expedite our work to connect more residents and small businesses in rural Texas."
Government officials echoed the importance of coordination and partnership to support Spectrum's accelerated buildout plan.
"Broadband internet is an essential service. Connecting Cass County and the rest of rural Texas is an economic and moral imperative," said Judge Ransom. "This once in a generation buildout needs cooperative partnerships to overcome bureaucratic burdens so rural America can thrive."
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.
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.
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 Xumo Stream Box, iOS and Android mobile devices, Xbox One, Kindle Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Xumo TVs and PCs.
* Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.
** Based on Q4 2023 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.
*** iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of Feb. 1, 2024. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of Feb. 1, 2024.
Media Assets:
Media covering this story can find images and a video of Spectrum's broadband expansion at the link below. Courtesy: Spectrum
https://corporate.charter.com/media-library/images
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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