Spectrum Begins Construction on Broadband Network Expansion in Simpson County, Kentucky

Buildout to Reach More Than 1,700 Homes and Small Businesses in Simpson County

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — At a groundbreaking event in Franklin, Kentucky today, Spectrum announced construction is underway on a fiber-optic network expansion project that will bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to more than 1,700 homes and small businesses in Simpson County. The Simpson County project is expected to be largely completed this fall.

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 as construction progresses to residents and small business owners in the buildout area beginning in spring 2022. 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 200 Mbps. All Spectrum Internet plans have no modem fees, data caps or contracts.

“Broadband is a vital resource for work, learning and personal connection,” said Joe Crone, 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 more than 1,700 homes and small businesses in Simpson County — an investment that will ensure families and businesses can participate fully in the digital world, now and well into the future.”

Kentucky State Senator Mike Wilson sees today’s event as a welcome sign of progress in the county.

“With today’s announcement families in rural and unserved areas of Simpson County are one step closer to getting reliable internet connection and access to the essential the lifeline service broadband provides,” Senator Wilson said.

Charter’s commitment to Simpson County levels the playing field of the technological have and have nots according to Simpson County Judge Executive Mason Barnes.

“Getting reliable, high-speed broadband internet to our rural residents has been one of my main priorities as County Judge Executive. Charter’s commitment to getting fiber internet to Simpson County levels the technological playing field in our rural areas. Today, Charter shows a true commitment and capability to bridge the digital divide for residents and small businesses in the rural parts of Simpson County. Internet connectivity is crucial to ensuring our area participates in the future of technological advances,” he said. 

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.

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 3,000 people in Kentucky, 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