Spectrum Awarded GUMBO Grant for Livingston Parish, Louisiana

BATON ROGUE, La. — Spectrum today announced it has been awarded a $1.73 million grant to bring gigabit high-speed internet access to over 500 homes and small businesses in Livingston Parish, Louisiana. The Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) grant is one of three awarded to Spectrum to expand fiber-optic broadband infrastructure to areas of the state that currently lack access to high-speed connections.

“Livingston Parish residents have waited a long time for this. We’ve been working with parish, state, and federal partners as well as Spectrum for years to make this possible,” said U.S. Rep. Garret Graves. “More reliable internet could be the difference in bridging the gap for kids in a zip code that may not be able to complete homework at home, or a small business that has been needing a helping hand to help increase real-time marketing online. We appreciate their partnership and outcomes, and we look forward to similar success in parishes across South Louisiana.”

Spectrum has committed to invest $1.25 million to extend its broadband network in the area, bringing total investment in the project to almost $3 million. Overall, Spectrum was awarded more than $10 million in GUMBO grants, which will help connect 2,167 homes and small businesses in three Louisiana Parishes. ConnectLA, Louisiana’s Office of Broadband Development & Connectivity, distributes the grants.

“Livingston Parish welcomes more broadband expansion to our communities and now through the state’s broadband program, Spectrum can expand to more homes and small businesses in need of high-speed internet access,” said Jack Varnado, Chair, Link Up LIVINGston Committee.  “Rep Buddy Mincey, Jr. worked with the Livingston Parish Council to create the Link Up LIVINGston Committee. The Committee has worked with providers to bring broadband infrastructure investment into Livingston Parish, as well as with other entities to provide digital literacy opportunities.”

The ConnectLA grants build upon Spectrum’s network availability in Louisiana. Across the state, Spectrum employs nearly 300 residents that serve 163,000 customers in 45 communities. The company operates its largest employment centers in Slidell, Hammond and Thibodaux.

“Public-private partnerships are a vital strategy for connecting unserved communities,” said Brent Golleher, Sr. Manager of Government Affairs for Spectrum in Louisiana.  “Through ConnectLA, Spectrum will join with Louisiana to bring gigabit broadband and more to thousands of families and small businesses — leveraging our capability as the state’s largest 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 our 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 Livingston Parish.

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, saving customers up to $1,000 a year. And 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 Contact

Jonathan Dunagin

Jonathan.Dunagin@charter.com

 

Patti Michel

Patti.Michel@charter.com