CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation*, today announced completion of its muti-year rural construction initiative to expand its fiber broadband network making Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services now available to more than 1,300 homes and small businesses in Somerset County, Maryland. The expansion encompassed more than 133 miles of construction. Combined with state and County contributions totaling more than $10.3 million, total project investment, including more than $2.1 million from Spectrum, is more than $12.5 million.
“This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to rural connectivity in Maryland,” said Doug Underwood, Spectrum Area Vice President, Field Operations. “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.”
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.
Spectrum is also expanding 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.
“In today’s digital landscape, broadband is as vital as water or electricity – it’s essential for services, jobs, education, healthcare, and access to many other opportunities," said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. "The Department's Office of Statewide Broadband's partnership with Spectrum in Somerset County marks a significant milestone that supports Governor Wes Moore's goal to connect all homes and businesses in Maryland to high-speed internet by 2030."
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. Residents and businesses in newly served areas can now access gigabit broadband services designed to support economic growth and improve quality of life.
“Spectrum’s investment in Somerset County, through their rural broadband expansion, has been critical to bridging the digital divide that is prominent in rural communities,” said Charles Laird, President, Board of County Commissioners. “We appreciate Spectrum stepping up to join our efforts and connect this community with reliable fiber infrastructure."
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 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.”
Bundle and Save: Internet and Mobile Services
Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum Internet customers can now bundle their service with Spectrum Mobile for greater savings and convenience. Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider** with Unlimited lines starting at just $30 a month. Bundling these services together provides enhanced value and gives customers seamless connectivity inside and outside the home with the fastest speeds. Spectrum offers a savings calculator to show how much can be saved by switching to Spectrum.
More Savings with Spectrum TV and Streaming
Spectrum TV plans offer additional ways for customers to save money. Spectrum TV plans provide access to the most popular streaming apps - a retail value of up to $131 per month - at no additional cost. Streaming apps include the Disney+, Hulu Bundle and the ESPN Unlimited plan, HBO Max Basic With Ads, Paramount+ Essential, Peacock Premium with Ads, AMC+ with Ads, ViX Premium With Ads, Tennis Channel, Discovery+ with Ads, and FOX One.
* Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations.
** Based on 1Q 2024 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), the leading broadband and video company in the nation and the fastest growing mobile provider in its footprint, with services available to more than 70 million homes and small to large businesses across 45 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
Scott Pryzwansky, Scott.Pryzwansky@charter.com