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Broadband ExpansionJuly 7, 2022

Spectrum Begins Construction on Broadband Network Expansion in Noble County, Ohio

Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Buildout will Provide Gigabit Broadband and Additional Services from U.S. News & World Report’s Best Internet Service Provider for Rural Areas

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Buildout to Reach More Than 2,300 Homes and Small Businesses in Noble County

PLEASANT CITY, Ohio — Spectrum today announced construction is underway on a fiber-optic network expansion project that will bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to more than 2,300 homes and small businesses in Noble County. The announcement was made today at a groundbreaking event in Pleasant City, OH.

The buildout is part of Spectrum’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural areas, which includes $1.2 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (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 in the coming years.

Spectrum services are expected to be available to residents and small business owners in the buildout area beginning in later this summer. Rated by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Internet Service Provider for Rural Areas in its 2021-22 ratings, Spectrum will offer a variety of broadband options, including Spectrum Internet Gig, featuring download speeds up to 1 Gbps, and its flagship Spectrum Internet® service, with starting download speeds of 300 Mbps.

Spectrum Internet Assist, the company’s low-cost broadband service for qualifying families and seniors, will also be available. Spectrum Internet Assist offers 30 Mbps speeds for just $17.99 per month. All Spectrum Internet plans have no data caps, modem fees or contracts.

“Broadband is a vital resource for work, learning and personal connection,” said Dwight Buchanon, Vice President, Construction FO Rural Build. “Leveraging resources won in the RDOF auction, we’re building a high-speed, high-capacity network that will bring gigabit internet to thousands of homes and small businesses in Noble County — an investment that will ensure families and businesses can participate fully in the digital world, now and well into the future.”

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

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson stressed the importance of access to high-speed internet for economic development in rural parts of Ohio. 

“Having access to high-speed, reliable internet service is crucial in today’s interconnected digital world. What Charter is doing here in Appalachia and across the state has many benefits, including helping to drive economic development in rural parts of Ohio. Today, reliable internet connectivity isn’t a luxury, it’s a must,” Congressman Johnson said.

Getting essential services to those in unserved areas is being addressed through today’s announcement according to Ohio State Senator Frank Hoagland (OH-30). 

“Recent events have highlighted the importance of reliable internet access and connectivity. The value of reliable internet cannot be understated; from telehealth, two-way video communications, work-at-home and remote learning. Spectrum’s network expansion in Noble County will help address the need for high-speed internet access and the opportunities that come with it,” Sen. Hoagland said. 

Ohio State Representative Don Jones (OH-95) said many residents of Noble County have made the choice to live in a rural part of the state, but until today have had to watch others get essential connectivity services. 

“Noble County is proudly rural, yet many of our residents have lacked access to critical infrastructure like broadband. Charter’s expansion through the RDOF program will help our community immensely – from teachers and students to farmers and healthcare workers,” he said.

Overall, Spectrum expects to hire more than 2,000 employees and contractors nationwide to support the RDOF and future rural buildout initiatives, including local crews in state for network construction. Spectrum currently employs more than 7,500 people in Ohio, with employees earning at least $20 an hour including target commissions.

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

Mike Pedelty

Michael.Pedelty@charter.com