Spectrum Celebrates Network Expansion Progress and Partnerships in East Texas

MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas — Spectrum, the #1 rural internet provider in the nation^*, joined state Sen. Bryan Hughes and state Rep. Cole Hefner in Titus County today, marking investment to bring broadband to rural communities throughout state of Texas – with the vast majority of expansion happening in East Texas, one of the most underserved regions in the nation.

“East Texas is a land of opportunity, but in today’s digital world, fully realizing that opportunity hinges on a reliable internet connection,” said Sen. Hughes. “Today we’re celebrating significant advancements to bring high-speed internet to unserved East Texas homes and businesses in partnership with Spectrum and community stakeholders – this is a win for Texas’ most rural areas.”

Spectrum officials outlined an accelerated rural construction plan for Texas, focused on connecting approximately 133,000 homes and small businesses through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). Spectrum is investing $400 million in RDOF projects in Texas, offset by $186 million won in the FCC’s RDOF auction.

With just over two years into its rural  expansion plan, Spectrum has activated service for more than 66,000 rural homes and small businesses in Texas, expanding their network more than 6,100 miles.

Across East Texas, the company’s construction efforts are well underway and more than 9,700 homes and small businesses in Titus, Franklin, Red River and Hopkins counties have already been connected, with additional work continuing in these areas. Expansion projects are also planned to bring services to thousands more addresses in parts of Camp, Morris, and Wood counties.

“We are in the midst of an unprecedented effort to build out our network to reach some of the most hard-to-serve locations in Texas,” said Mike Matson, Texas Regional Vice President of Field Operations, for Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity products and services. “Because the need is so clear, and the urgency is there, Spectrum has doubled down to put more resources and focus on connecting rural areas across Texas – especially in the eastern portion of the state.”

Matson explained how timely execution of Spectrum’s accelerated rural deployment plan is dependent on several external factors, such as expedited permitting processes from local and state government, and cooperation from local utility companies so Spectrum can attach fiber-optic cables to local utility poles.

“It takes a village to deliver internet service to these rural areas,” said Matson. “With more distance between homes, construction teams must access several poles just to reach one homeowner.”

Government officials echoed the importance of coordination and partnership to support Spectrum’s accelerated buildout plan.

“Texas communities – regardless of location or ZIP code – deserve ubiquitous access to high-speed internet, which is important for our kids, their opportunities, our local economies and keeping people here,” said U.S. Rep. Nathanial Moran. “I encourage Spectrum and its stakeholders to work together efficiently to see this RDOF expansion to fruition as quickly as possible.”

“Expanding broadband infrastructure to rural communities requires extensive coordination and resources,” said Rep. Hefner. “Spectrum’s connectivity services will open new doors for East Texas families and businesses, and we look forward to internet access for all East Texans – and quickly.”

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 delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and small business customers, featuring starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers customers 1 Gbps download speeds, with 300 Mbps and 600 Mbps options. The company has also begun a network evolution that will provide gigabit upstream speeds and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire 41-state service area.

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” issued in January 2023. 

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 Xumo Stream Box, iOS and Android mobile devices, Xbox One, Kindle Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, Xumo TVs and PCs. 

^* Based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations. 

^** Based on Q4 2023 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.

^*** iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of Feb. 1, 2024. Apps must have at least 150k reviews through combination of iOS & Android store reviews as of Feb. 1, 2024.

Media Assets:

Media covering this story can find images and a video of Spectrum’s broadband expansion at the link below. Courtesy: Spectrum

https://corporate.charter.com/media-library/images

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

Tania Ortega

Tania.Ortega@charter.com