On April 3, 2024, Spectrum announced a collaboration with state Sen. Bryan Hughes and state Rep. Cole Hefner in Titus County, Texas, to invest in expanding broadband access to rural communities across the state. With a focus on East Texas, which is among the most underserved regions in the nation, the initiative aims to connect approximately 133,000 homes and small businesses through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).
Sen. Hughes emphasized the importance of reliable internet in today's digital age, particularly for unlocking opportunities in rural areas. Spectrum's accelerated rural construction plan involves a $400 million investment in Texas, supported by $186 million won in the FCC's RDOF auction. Since the inception of the plan, over 66,000 rural homes and small businesses have gained access to high-speed internet, with expansion efforts spanning more than 6,100 miles.
In East Texas, construction efforts are underway, with over 9,700 homes and small businesses already connected in counties like Titus, Franklin, Red River, and Hopkins. Additional projects are slated to extend services to thousands more addresses in areas including Camp, Morris, and Wood counties.
Mike Matson, Texas Regional Vice President of Field Operations for Charter Communications, Inc. (Spectrum's parent company), stressed the urgency of the initiative and highlighted the need for cooperation from local stakeholders to ensure timely execution. He acknowledged the challenges posed by factors like permitting processes and access to utility poles for fiber-optic cables.
Government officials, including U.S. Rep. Nathanial Moran and Rep. Hefner, echoed the importance of collaboration to support Spectrum's expansion efforts. They emphasized the significance of broadband access for education, economic growth, and community development.
Local residents and business owners can visit spectrumruralexpansion.com for updates on service availability. Spectrum Internet offers speeds up to 1 Gbps with no data caps or contracts, catering to both residential and small business customers. Alongside broadband, Spectrum also provides mobile and TV services, aiming to deliver seamless connectivity across its 41-state service area.
