ATHENS, Ohio — Spectrum, the largest and fastest-growing rural internet provider in the country, today announced significant progress in its multi-year effort to expand high-speed fiber broadband access for rural communities across more than 20 Ohio counties, connecting more homes and small businesses with access to its new, state-of-the-art fiber broadband network.
Spectrum’s multi-year rural construction initiative is driven by more than $7 billion in private investment from Spectrum and will ultimately add an additional 100,000+ miles of fiber broadband network infrastructure to deliver symmetrical and multi-gigabit speeds to more than 1.7 million new locations across the country.
“This represents a significant step forward in our commitment to rural connectivity in Ohio,” said Jesse Femyer, Area Vice President for Spectrum’s Midwest Central service area. “Our teams continue to refine our rural construction process, learning from every buildout and accelerating the pace at which we connect homes and businesses. The impact is clear – communities that were once overlooked now have access to infrastructure that will serve them for decades.”
In Ohio, crews worked throughout rural communities, to lay the foundation for next-generation connectivity — bringing reliable, high-speed internet closer to families, businesses, farms, healthcare providers, and remote workers and learners that have historically faced limited access.
“The DeWine Administration is committed to ensuring that all Ohioans, no matter where they live, have access to dependable, affordable, high-speed internet,” said John Carey, Director, Governor’s Office of Appalachia. “Through the Ohio Department of Development’s partnerships with providers like Spectrum, Ohioans are now able to connect with loved ones, access healthcare, and find new career opportunities – ensuring Southeast Ohio is not left behind by a digital divide.”
Ohio Southeast Economic Development (Ohio SE), Ohio University and Spectrum recently celebrated broadband expansion progress with an event to discuss the importance of reliable connectivity to create career opportunities for Ohioans.
Spectrum is expanding its network to unserved and underserved areas in Adams, Athens, Carroll, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington Counties, equipping residents and small businesses with new connectivity options and gigabit speeds.
Across these Ohio counties, Spectrum’s buildout is supported by more than an estimated $240 million in combined investment, including the company’s private funding, grants from the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), and local sources.
“Reliable connectivity needs reliable infrastructure. I applaud the network investment in bringing high-speed internet access to thousands of rural residents across southeast Ohio," said State Sen. Brian Chavez. “This continues to build a network backbone that will support rural communities with connectivity services for decades to come.”
The company also expanded its physical presence in rural communities by hiring more technicians and getting more trucks on the road in these areas to uphold Spectrum’s industry-leading Customer Commitment that features same-day installations and service calls to address issues within hours of being reported.
Fiber broadband delivers faster speeds, increased reliability, and capacity to support growing digital demands, from telehealth and precision agriculture to online learning and remote work. With new construction milestones achieved, residents and businesses in newly served areas can now access gigabit broadband services designed to support economic growth and improve quality of life.
“High-speed internet and dependable mobile service are a part of the fabric of modern life,” said State Rep. Kevin Ritter. “Rural communities have fallen behind for too long, and Spectrum’s latest broadband expansion is delivering access to these services to support businesses, learning, healthcare, and overall quality of life.”
Spectrum’s rural expansion will continue in 2026, with new projects planned and ongoing collaboration with local leaders to help rural communities participate in the digital economy.
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.
Spectrum Internet offers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and business customers, with starting speeds of 500 Mbps. There are no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum is evolving its network to deliver gigabit upstream and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire service area. According to the FCC’s latest “Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report,” Spectrum Internet exceeded advertised speeds for all tiers, even during peak evening hours. Customers can bundle Spectrum Internet with Spectrum Mobile, the fastest-growing mobile provider, for added savings and seamless connectivity. Spectrum TV plans provide access to top streaming apps at no extra cost, with more options coming soon.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company available to nearly 59 million homes and small to large businesses across 41 states. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the Company offers Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, Mobile, TV and Voice products.
More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.
Media Contact
Wes Shirley, Wes.Shirley@charter.com