LEXINGTON, Ky. — Spectrum today announced construction is underway on a fiber-optic network expansion project that will bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to more than 2,450 homes and small businesses in Clark County. The announcement was made at a groundbreaking event in Winchester, KY.
The buildout is part of Spectrum’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural areas, which includes $1.2 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 in the coming years.
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. And all Spectrum Internet plans have no data caps, modem fees or contracts.
“Broadband is a vital resource for work, learning and personal connection,” said Joe Crone, Vice President, Construction FO Rural Build. “Leveraging resources won in the RDOF auction, we’re building a high-speed, high-capacity network that will bring gigabit internet to thousands of homes and small businesses in Clark County — an investment that will ensure families and businesses can participate fully in the digital world, now and well into the future.”
Kentucky State Senator Ralph Alvarado says today’s announcement, along with other recent announcements by Charter about broadband expansion in the Commonwealth, will go a long way to addressing an issue vital to Kentucky’s future.
“Too many Kentuckians remain without critical access to the broadband infrastructure they need to work, learn, worship, receive healthcare, and other important services. Spectrum’s groundbreaking today is the onset of increased access to high-speed internet and the critical educational and economic opportunities it provides for residents of Clark County in the 28 th District,” Senator Alvarado said.
County Judge Executive Henry Branham said today’s announcement is welcome news for those in rural Kentucky that have been asking for advanced connectivity services.
“Too many Kentuckians have lacked broadband access at home for far too long. Expanding Spectrum’s network to unserved parts of the state will bring a new lifeline to thousands of rural residents who need access to reliable, high-speed internet,” County Judge Executive Branham said.
Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum will offer its full suite of services, including Spectrum TV ® , Spectrum Mobile ™ and Spectrum Voice ® . 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.
Overall, Spectrum expects to hire more than 2,000 employees and contractors nationwide to support the RDOF and future rural buildout initiatives, including local crews in state for network construction. Spectrum currently employs more than 3,000 people in Kentucky, with employees earning at least $20 an hour including target commissions.
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, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.