On February 17, 2022, Spectrum announced the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to nearly 950 homes and small businesses in rural and unserved areas of Guernsey County. An additional 1,400, for a total of nearly 2,350, county homes and small businesses will have access to Spectrum services in the next few months.
Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout in the area is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural communities, which includes $1.2 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 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 in the coming years.
Spectrum Internet Gig, with download speeds of 1 Gbps, is now available throughout the buildout area. Spectrum Internet offers starting speeds of 200 Mbps, with Spectrum Internet Ultra providing download speeds of 400 Mbps. For small and medium-sized businesses, Spectrum Business Internet offers download speeds of 200 Mbps, 600 Mbps and 1 Gbps. Consumers can learn more about Spectrum services at www.spectrum.com. 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.
“Through RDOF, Spectrum is making a multiyear investment to extend gigabit broadband networks to unserved communities across America,” said Joe Crone, Vice President, Construction FO Rural Build. “Our commitment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in Guernsey County. We are providing superior connectivity to local residents and small businesses at highly competitive prices, backed by an organization committed to craftsmanship and service.”
Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Internet Service Provider for Rural Areas in its 2021-22 ratings, 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 Internet Assist, the company’s low-cost broadband service for qualifying families and seniors, is also available, offering 30 Mbps speeds for just $17.99 per month. All Spectrum Internet plans have no data caps, modem fees or contracts and are eligible for Affordable Connectivity Program credits for qualifying households.
“Having access to high-speed, reliable internet service is crucial in today’s interconnected digital world. What Charter is doing here in Appalachia and across the state has many benefits, including helping to drive economic development in rural parts of Ohio. Today, reliable internet connectivity isn’t a luxury, it’s a must,” said U.S. Representative Bill Johnson (OH-06).
Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted highlighted efforts on the state level to expand broadband.
“Today’s announcement is welcome news to those families in rural and unserved areas of Guernsey County who have been asking for advanced broadband services leveraged through the federal Rural Digital Opportunity Fund,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “On the state level, we look forward to continuing efforts to close the digital divide through various initiatives, including the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant.”
Ohio State Senator Tim Schaffer (OH-20) says broadband connectivity is a necessity for families and small businesses.
“A reliable internet connection is critical for families and businesses in Ohio. I applaud Spectrum’s commitment to connect our residents who do not currently have broadband access, which has become an essential lifeline during these uncertain times,” he said.
Ohio State Representative Adam Holmes (OH-97) says Charter’s actions go a long way to bridging the digital divide to rural areas of Ohio.
“Charter has shown true commitment and capability to bridge the digital divide for residents and small businesses in rural parts of Guernsey County. Internet connectivity is crucial to ensuring our area participates in our high technological future,” Rep. Holmes said.