Charter Communications and Wayne County, N.Y., to Deliver Broadband Connectivity to Nearly 1,400 Unserved Homes

WAYNE COUNTY, N.Y. – Charter Communications, Inc. and Wayne County today announced a $14.6 million agreement that will bring gigabit internet connectivity to nearly 1,400 rural, unserved homes and small businesses across the County. The New York State Public Service Commission is contributing $1 million to the project. Charter Communications and the County will both contribute millions to connect residences as part of this important public/private partnership.

“This investment will help close the digital divide in Wayne County and will bring gigabit broadband connectivity to thousands of residents and small businesses,” said Mark Fitchett, Regional Vice President of Operations at Charter, which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity products and services. “We look forward to extending our network and serving new customers. Residents can choose this new connectivity for entertainment, and vital functions like remote work and telehealth.”

Construction is expected to begin in the coming months and be completed on a rolling basis in about two years, following completion of permitting and utility-pole attachment applications. Once the project is complete, homes and businesses in the buildout area will have access to broadband speeds up to 1 gbps, plus money-saving mobile options and 85,000 on demand choices. Spectrum was awarded the project after successfully participating in a competitive bidding process through a Request for Proposals (RFP), which subsequently established a public-private partnership with the County. This partnership is in line with Spectrum's ongoing collaboration with various Counties in the State, aimed at connecting residents of New York. Notably, Spectrum has already partnered with Lewis County and other neighboring areas, as part of their extensive initiative to connect over unserved households throughout the state.

“The County Broadband Committee has worked diligently to utilize available funding to deliver quality internet connections with affordability options to unserved residents and businesses in Wayne County. Today’s announcement, in partnership with Spectrum and our elected leaders, brings us significantly closer to ubiquitous connectivity,” said Steve Groat, Galen Town Supervisor.

"Expanding access to high-speed internet is essential, especially in our rural communities and underserved areas," said State Senator Pamela Helming (NY-54). "This continues to be a top priority for me. Thank you to the Board of Supervisors, the Broadband Committee, and their Chairman, Steve Groat for bridging the connectivity gap by expanding high-speed internet in Wayne County. I also want to acknowledge the county's partnership with Spectrum. Through this partnership, more communities will have access to this essential service."

“I have long called Wayne County home and supported policies that improve quality of life and economic outcomes for our residents," said State Assemblymember Brian Manktelow (NY-130). "The state and county’s partnership with Spectrum is sure to bring better opportunities to our area by delivering high-speed internet to everyone, regardless of location."

Spectrum Internet delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for both residential customers and small business clients, featuring starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers its commercial customers plans with starting download speeds of 300 Mbps, with 600 Mbps and 1 Gbps options.

Spectrum Internet delivers the fastest internet and WiFi download speeds in the nation^*, and 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 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 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 when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services.

^* Based on analysis by Ookla^® of Speedtest Intelligence^® data U.S. median fixed download speeds for Q1 2023. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

^** Based on year end 2022 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.

^***iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of April 1, 2023. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews 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. 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.

Media Contact

Heidi Vandenbrouck

Heidi.Vandenbrouck@charter.com