Spectrum, Gov. John Bel Edwards and Area Leaders Break Ground on Broadband Network

WALKER, La. – Spectrum representatives joined Gov. John Bel Edwards and other community leaders today to break ground on construction of a fiber-optic network buildout that will ultimately bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to more than 500 homes and small businesses in Livingston Parish.

“Despite recent programs, there are still so many people across the state who do not have access to a reliable and affordable internet connection,” said Gov. Edwards. “Spectrum’s buildout in Livingston Parish is bringing affordable high-speed connectivity to rural, unserved communities through the Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities (GUMBO) broadband program. This partnership is a step toward improving health outcomes, growing our economy, and enhancing quality of life for so many Louisianans.”

To help celebrate the project groundbreaking and advance the community’s digital literacy efforts, Spectrum donated $6,000 and 15 laptops to the Southeastern Livingston Center, whose mission is to improve the level of education and quality of life for the citizens of Livingston Parish.

“Livingston Parish is one of the fastest growing parishes in the state and the south,” said U.S. Rep. Garret Graves. “It is critical that infrastructure maintain pace with this growth — which is why utilizing federal funds in collaboration with Livingston Parish, Charter and the state is so important. Students, families and businesses will soon experience superior Internet connections and speeds that will provide the tools and tech to make them prepared, efficient and productive.”

Through ConnectLA, Louisiana’s Office of Broadband Development & Connectivity, Spectrum was recently awarded a GUMBO grant of $1.73 million. Spectrum has committed to invest an additional $1.25 million to extend its broadband network in the parish, bringing total investment in the Livingston Parish project to almost $3 million.

“We’ve seen unprecedented investments that are resulting in efficient and expeditious deployment of high-speed internet access to our most rural pockets of Louisiana,” said state Rep. Buddy Mincey. “Today, we celebrate breaking ground on Spectrum’s public-private partnership with the state to advance broadband connectivity in Livingston Parish.”

Rep. Mincey worked with the Livingston Parish Council to create the Link Up LIVINGston Committee, which has played an instrumental role leading up to this groundbreaking event. The Committee worked with providers to bring broadband infrastructure investment into Livingston Parish, as well as with other entities to provide digital literacy opportunities.

“For many years we have been working to close the digital divide across Louisiana, and this expansion by Spectrum spurred by the Link Up LIVINGston Committee is a big step towards doing so,” said Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband Development and Connectivity. “It opens the door for new business opportunities and for residents to be more connected — working, learning and accessing telehealth from home.”

The Livingston Parish GUMBO grant is one of three awarded to Spectrum to expand fiber-optic broadband infrastructure to areas of the state that currently lack access to high-speed connections. Thus far, Spectrum has received over $10 million in GUMBO grants to help connect more than 2,100 homes and small businesses across three Louisiana Parishes. 

“Broadband is a vital resource for work, learning and personal connection,” said Tony Sieiro, Spectrum Area Vice President in Louisiana. “Through ConnectLA and GUMBO grants, Spectrum will join with Louisiana to bring broadband and more to thousands of families and small businesses across the state — leveraging our capability as the state’s largest broadband provider to further close the digital divide.”

In Louisiana, Spectrum employs over 300 residents and serves 167,000 customers in 57 communities. The company operates its largest employment centers in Slidell, Hammond and Thibodaux.

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.

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

Spectrum offers customers a best-in-class suite of products, highlighted by Spectrum Internet^® plans with speeds up to 1 Gbps for both residential customers and small business clients, starting speeds of 300 Mbps and no modem fees, data caps or contracts. 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 TV^® and Spectrum Mobile^™. 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 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, with new lines starting at $29.99 a month. 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, Xumo TVs and PCs.

^* 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.

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 Contacts

Jonathan Dunagin

Jonathan.Dunagin@charter.com

Patti Michel

Patti.Michel@charter.com