TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – October 10, 2022 – Spectrum today announced construction is underway on a fiber-optic network expansion project that will bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to over 4700 homes and small businesses in Wexford County, Michigan. Spectrum services are available to some residents and small business owners in the buildout area beginning today.
The buildout is part of Spectrum’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural areas, which includes more than $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 in the coming years.
“Broadband is a vital resource for work, learning and personal connection,” said Thomas Yates, Vice President of Construction leading Spectrum’s Michigan and Indiana buildouts. “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 Wexford County — an investment that will ensure families and businesses can participate fully in the digital world, now and well into the future.”
“Many Michiganders remain unserved with no internet access at home,” said U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, “Spectrum’s network expansion through the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund will bring access and opportunity to families and students, and boost our economy that keeps people working.”
State Senator Curt VanderWall states, “I’ve been a longtime supporter of expanding internet access to Michigan’s rural residents. Spectrum’s expansion into Michigan’s 35th Senate District will bring high-speed access to many families so they can access health care, education, and entertainment from the comfort of home.”
“Michigan’s rural population needs access to reliable internet now more than ever,” said State Representative Michele Hoitenga, “Home internet allows Michigan’s rural residents to access telemedicine, work remotely, and participate in virtual learning.”
Spectrum Internet® has been consecutively ranked as one of the best internet service providers by U.S. News & World Report, and also earned the highest rating among the Best Internet Service Providers for Rural Areas. 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.
