Spectrum Awarded Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund Grant for Lauderdale County

FLORENCE, Ala. — Spectrum today announced it has been awarded a $2.31 million grant to bring gigabit high-speed internet access to over 2,200 homes and small businesses in Lauderdale County. The Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF) grant is one of two awarded to Spectrum to expand fiber-optic broadband infrastructure to areas of the state that currently lack access to high-speed connections.

“Too many Alabamians have lacked high-speed internet access for long enough and the state’s broadband grants are helping connect more communities,” said state Rep. Phillip Pettus. “Charter’s expansion of its Spectrum internet service in parts of Lauderdale that did not have access before is a step toward closing the digital divide.”

Spectrum has committed to invest more than $5.66 million to extend its broadband network in the area, bringing total investment in the project to nearly $8 million. Overall, Spectrum was awarded more than $7.26 million in ABAF grants, which will help connect 4,364 homes and small businesses in Lauderdale and Walker Counties. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs distributes the grants.

“Residents of Lauderdale County have not had adequate broadband service for too long, and the pandemic really made that clear,” said Danny Pettus, Chairman of the Lauderdale County Commission. “Thankfully Spectrum has been a good partner for the county, and with the state grants we’re excited they will expand fast internet access to more residents in Lauderdale County.”

The ABAF grants build upon Spectrum’s network availability in Alabama. Across the state, Spectrum employs more than 1,100 residents that serve 652,000 customers in 238 communities. The company operates its largest employment centers in Birmingham, Montgomery and Decatur.

“Public-private partnerships are a vital strategy for connecting unserved communities,” said Taylor Vice, Director of Government Affairs for Spectrum in Alabama. “Through ABAF, Spectrum will join with Alabama to bring gigabit broadband and more to thousands of families and small businesses — leveraging our capability as a broadband provider to further close the digital divide.”

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, underscoring an ongoing commitment to connecting more communities from coast to coast. 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^™ in Lauderdale County.

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 Contacts

Patti Michel

Patti.Michel@charter.com

 

Jonathan Dunagin

Jonathan.Dunagin@charter.com