Spectrum Moves Forward on Broadband Expansion in Oglethorpe, Madison and Banks Counties, Georgia

ATHENS, Ga. — Spectrum today announced it is bringing gigabit high-speed internet access to nearly 11,000 unserved homes and small businesses across Banks, Madison and Oglethorpe counties through the $33.8 million Georgia Capital Projects Fund Grant Program. Spectrum has committed to invest nearly $42 million on the expansion project, bringing total investment to more than $75 million.

Spectrum’s construction teams are in the process of walking out the area to make sure all unserved locations are included in its broadband network design. Residents may see Spectrum crews in their community examining the terrain and vegetation in order to determine the best possible route for the new network. Once completed, the project team will obtain appropriate permits to attach to utility poles and construct the network.

Once construction is complete, technicians will ensure connectivity is enabled and the right equipment is installed to bring service to residents in their homes and small businesses.

“It’s a big day for families and businesses in District 47,” said state Sen. Frank Ginn. “Spectrum’s high-speed broadband expansion to unserved and underserved parts of Madison County is a timely one that will spur additional economic development in these communities.”

“Gov. Kemp, his administration and the Georgia Legislature have shown tremendous leadership in embracing public-private partnerships as a vital strategy for connecting unserved communities,” said Marva Johnson, Group Vice President of Government Affairs at Charter Communications, which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity services. “These grants build upon Spectrum’s commitments and capabilities to further close the digital divide.”

Georgia Capital Projects Fund Grant Program grants further expand Spectrum’s rural construction initiative, the centerpiece of which is the company’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes $1 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (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 — including nearly 24,000 locations in Georgia — in the coming years. Combined, Spectrum’s Georgia Broadband Program grants and RDOF buildouts across Georgia will connect nearly 43,000 homes and small businesses. 

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services will also include Spectrum Mobile^™ and Spectrum TV^®.

“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities across America ,” said Charlie Agius, Spectrum Regional Vice President. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in area. 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.

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 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 year end 2022 subscriber data among top 3 carriers.

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

Patti Michel

Patti.Michel@charter.com