Spectrum Announces Application to Expand Broadband in Sevier County, Tennessee

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Spectrum today announced a $17.5 million proposal to bring gigabit high-speed internet access to more than 3,100 homes and small businesses in Sevier County. The grant application is for the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund – American Rescue Plan (TEBF-ARP) to utilize the State of Tennessee’s American Rescue Plan Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF) to expand broadband infrastructure to parts of Tennessee that currently lack access to a high-speed connection.

The project includes a $12.25 million grant request from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community and more than $5 million private investment from Spectrum. The awards are expected to be announced by the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development in summer 2022.

The proposal is in addition to the company’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes $1.2 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 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, including Tennessee, in the coming years.

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Internet Service Provider for Rural Areas in its 2021-22 ratings, 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.

“Charter is no stranger to taking on the challenge of deploying broadband in rural and hard-to-reach areas of the country,” said State Representative Dale Carr. “Just in 2021, they brought high-speed internet to an additional 17,000 homes and small businesses in Tennessee. That is no small feat, and we need the same positive action in currently underserved parts of the state.”

State Representative Andrew Farmer added that the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development must be a responsible steward of the state’s limited taxpayer dollars from the TEBF-ARP.

“As TNECD considers how to allocate the $500 million of Tennessee’s fiscal recovery funds for broadband expansion, we must select private partners with deep knowledge of our state and the best technology to offer,” said Representative Farmer. “Charter Communications should be selected to expand their broadband infrastructure and technology to connect the remaining unserved homes and businesses in Sevier County. Charter already serves more than 500,000 customers in our state, employing more than 800 Tennesseans.”

Charter also offers Spectrum Internet 100, a high-speed, low-cost broadband service with 100 Mbps download speeds for just $29.99 per month, which includes a modem, in-home WiFi and self-installation at no additional charge. Spectrum Internet 100 is available exclusively to households eligible for the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying households up to a $30 monthly credit ($75 on qualifying Tribal lands) toward broadband service, allowing eligible customers to receive Spectrum Internet 100 at no monthly cost.

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum will offer its full suite of services, including Spectrum TV^®, Spectrum Mobile^™ and Spectrum Voice^®.

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

Patti Michel

Patti.Michel@charter.com