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Spectrum technician crew working on broadband expansion project

Broadband ExpansionOctober 28, 2022

Spectrum Joins Sen. Tammy Baldwin to Celebrate Wisconsin Broadband Network Expansion Projects

Thousands of Rural Wisconsin Homes and Businesses Now Have Access to High-Speed Broadband

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More to come in 2023 as Part of Spectrum’s $5 Billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Investment

JANESVILLE, Wis. — Spectrum joined Sen. Tammy Baldwin and community leaders in Rock County today to celebrate progress on fiber-optic network expansion projects that are bringing gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to thousands of rural homes and small businesses across Wisconsin through the first full year of Spectrum’s RDOF expansion initiative.

Spectrum’s network buildout activity is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes more than $1 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) RDOF auction. 

In Wisconsin, the company’s RDOF expansion is underway to broadband access to approximately 140,000 customer locations as estimated by the FCC in the coming years. Spectrum is investing more than $668 million in Wisconsin, which includes an expected private investment of at least $500 million and more than $168 million won through the RDOF auction.

“Through early RDOF efforts, Spectrum has extended its fiber-optic network more than 1,100 miles across dozens of rural Wisconsin communities, bringing service to thousands of homes and small businesses,” said Matt Brown, Spectrum’s Vice President of Construction. “While we’re celebrating the completion of more than 65 network expansion projects across Wisconsin, we have more important work planned for the rest of 2022 and years to follow, as we work toward our goal of connecting 140,000 rural Wisconsin homes and businesses through the RDOF initiative.”

A highlight of the company’s 2022 Wisconsin RDOF efforts include completion of several expansion projects in Rock County that have helped give more than 2,600 rural homes and small businesses access to gigabit broadband. Spectrum officials said plans are underway to reach thousands more rural locations in Rock County in 2023.

“Federal, state, and local governments are making an investment in broadband to better serve our rural and underserved communities, and bridge the digital divide for people in all parts of the country,” said Sen. Tammy Baldwin. “Charter’s high-speed network expansion will allow more workers, students, families, and businesses in Rock County and statewide to get the telehealth they need, work from home, and participate in remote learning.”

Spectrum’s Rock County expansion includes parts of Evansville and the towns of Fulton, Plymouth, Janesville, Porter, Union, Magnolia, Center, Newark, Spring Valley, Rock, Avon and Beloit.  Spectrum’s construction activity is at an all-time high in Wisconsin. While RDOF expansion is an important catalyst to reach rural homes and businesses, the company is reaching thousands of additional rural homes and small businesses through network expansions tied to participation in the State of Wisconsin Broadband Grant program and other projects funded 100% by Charter.

300 Mbps Starting Speeds with Gigabit Options and No Modem Fees, Data Caps or Contracts

Spectrum’s high-bandwidth, low-latency network means local residents now have access to gigabit speeds with Spectrum Internet, which includes starting internet speeds of 300 Mbps with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Internet Ultra, which features download speeds up to 500 Mbps, is also available to residential customers. For small and medium-sized businesses, Spectrum Business® offers gigabit connections, with starting speeds of 300 Mbps and a 600 Mbps option.

Spectrum Internet has been consecutively ranked as one of the best internet service providers by U.S. News & World Report, and also earned the highest rating among the Best Internet Service Providers for Rural Areas. Spectrum Internet 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 December 2021.

Spectrum was also 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. 

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services will also include Spectrum Mobileand Spectrum TV®.

Spectrum Mobile, available exclusively to Spectrum Internet customers, combines the fastest overall speeds* with the best devices and a choice of Unlimited or By the Gig data plans. Spectrum Mobile provides customers the highest-quality experience, including access to nationwide 5G, at great value (two or more lines starting at $29.99 a month, saving customers up to $1,000 a year**). Spectrum TV offers more than 200 HD channels and access to 85,000 On Demand movies and shows. Using the Spectrum TV App, 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, XClass 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.

* Fastest Overall Speeds claim based on Global Wireless Solutions’ combined cellular and WiFi speed test results in Spectrum service area where WiFi is available. Cellular speeds vary by location.

** Savings based on 2-line comparison of unlimited plans among major national carriers as of 09/2021; prepaid excluded; data usage limits vary by carrier. Spectrum Internet required. Services not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.

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

Kim Haas

Kim.Haas@charter.com