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Spectrum technician crew working on a broadband expansion project

Broadband ExpansionMay 25, 2023

Spectrum Expands Rural Broadband to 800 Additional Homes and Small Businesses in Manistee County, Michigan

Spectrum Internet® with Starting Speeds of 300 Mbps Now Available

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Network Buildout is Part of Spectrum’s $5 Billion, Multiyear Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Investment in Rural Broadband

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Spectrum today announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to an additional 800 homes and small businesses in Manistee County, Michigan. Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout in Manistee County is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion RDOF-related investment in unserved rural communities, which includes $1 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 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, including nearly 36,000 in Michigan.

“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities across America through RDOF,” said Dana Pendergrass, Area Vice President, Field Operations, Spectrum, “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in Manistee County. We are providing local residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and U.S.-based customer service.”

Broadband Speeds up to 1 Gbps, Plus Money-Saving Mobile Options and 85,000 On Demand Choices

Spectrum Internet delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for both residential customers and small business clients, featuring starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers its clients plans with starting download speeds of 300 Mbps, with 600 Mbps and 1 Gbps options.

“Thanks to the partnership between Charter and the FCC, high-speed internet has arrived at the doorsteps of Michiganders who previously had unreliable or no internet access at home or work,” said U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman. “This is an important step to bring connectivity to all of Michigan and help close the digital divide in our state.”

Spectrum Internet delivers the fastest internet and WiFi download speeds in the nation*, and 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 January 2023.

State Senator Jon Bumstead said, “Reliable internet access is as important as ever and more and more programs and services continue to go online. I’m thrilled with Spectrum’s partnership and network expansion to previously unconnected District 32 residents who now have high-speed internet access at their doorstep.”  

State Rep. Curt VanderWall added, “Broadband is not optional. Northern Michigan students and businesses need to be able to compete with the large metropolitan areas. We have the talent, we have the workers now we just need the tools. Spectrum’s investment has helped us on the path to ensuring broadband is available to every Northern Michigan student, business, and senior.” 

Spectrum also was 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, and because customers are not locked into a contract, families can always choose the right broadband plan to meet their changing needs.

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available also include Spectrum Mobile and Spectrum TV®. Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider** and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced Home WiFi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. Spectrum Mobile provides customers access to nationwide 5G at great value, with Unlimited lines starting at $29.99 a month, as well as By the Gig options.

Spectrum TV offers more than 270 HD channels and access to 85,000 On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App — the highest-rated pay TV streaming app in the U.S.*** — 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, XUMO TVs and PCs.

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.

* Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data U.S. median fixed download speeds for Q1 2023. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

** Based on year end 2022 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.

***iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of April 1, 2023. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of April 1, 2023.

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 and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

Media Contact

Bill Morand

William.Morand@charter.com