Spectrum technician crew working on a broadband expansion project

Broadband ExpansionJune 9, 2023

Spectrum to Launch Gigabit Broadband, Mobile, TV and Voice Services in Rural Muskingum County, Ohio

Spectrum and Broadband Ohio to Announce a $30.6 Million Project to Give More Than 5,000 Rural Residents and Small Businesses Access to Broadband for the First Time

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ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Spectrum today announced it will soon launch Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to homes and small businesses in rural and previously unserved parts of Muskingum County, Ohio. The announcement was made at an event in Zanesville today where the company, elected officials and community leaders highlighted the many benefits of Spectrum’s network expansion projects throughout the area.

Spectrum is taking significant steps to close the digital divide in Muskingum County through two major projects. The first is the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). Construction began in 2022 and will bring broadband services to an estimated 3,210 locations. Activations for this project have started in parts of Highland, Rich Hill, Salt Creek and Washington Townships and work continues throughout the county. The second project announced today is an Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant which will further expand broadband services to an additional 1,795 locations.

Once completed, more than 5,000 homes and small businesses across the county will have access to broadband and other services for the first time.

“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities across America through RDOF and other state and local programs such as our agreement with Muskingum County,” said Jeff Gehrig, Regional Vice President of Operations. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services which is already available in parts of Muskingum County. We are providing residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and U.S.-based customer service.”

U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson says the commitment by Spectrum, the Federal Government and the State of Ohio are vital to the growth prosperity and wellbeing in the county.

“Ohioans in rural communities need access to high-speed internet, especially as more aspects of our lives require reliable connectivity,” said Balderson. “From helping our seniors access telemedicine services to ensuring students have access to educational resources, we must ensure no community is forgotten. Spectrum’s buildout through the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) is bringing broadband access to those most in need throughout Muskingum County and beyond.”

Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout in the 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 one million customer locations as estimated by the FCC across 24 states in the coming years.

State Sen. Al Landis says broadband is essential in our rapidly expanding digital world, and today’s announcement is an important step in insuring it is available to as many Ohioans as possible.

“I’m pleased that Spectrum’s broadband network is reaching unserved families in Muskingum County and helping us close the digital divide here in rural Ohio. Fast and reliable internet connectivity is what my constituents need to thrive in today’s world, and this announcement is a step in the right direction.”

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.

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.

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

Mike Hogan 

Mike.Hogan@Charter.com