<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=18RkKY_0uyhpQnj00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=18RkKY_0uyhpQnj00" width="650" height="488" ><figcaption>Spectrum Communications launched its broadband expansion to areas of Lake County with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Idlewild.&nbsp;(Photo courtesy of&nbsp;Spectrum Communications) (Courtesy of Spectrum) </figcaption></figure> IDELWILD&nbsp;— Spectrum Charter Communications hosted a ribbon cutting celebrating the launch of a $9 billion investment in rural broadband expansion at the Yates Township Hall in Idlewild Aug. 12. The $9 billion project includes a network&nbsp;build-out in unserved and underserved rural communities, including areas of Lake County. Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network build-out in Lake County will provide Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 115 homes and small businesses in portions of the Village of Baldwin, Pleasant Plains Township and Webber Township, a news release from the company said. The project is part of a nationwide effort to support broadband expansion with $2 billion in government funding through the Federal Communications Commission Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. During the celebration, Spectrum team members discussed the importance of broadband access, specifically in rural areas and the company’s commitment to expand, as well as affordability and adoption. “Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Michigan and across America,” said Thomas Yates, Vice President of Construction leading Spectrum’s Michigan build-outs. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in Lake County. We are providing residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and 100% U.S.-based customer service.” U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland)&nbsp;said in the release that many Michigan communities lack the necessary infrastructure to serve residents with adequate internet access at home, and Spectrum’s network expansion will bring much needed service to hundreds of Michigan families. “This construction is a welcome addition to the community and will provide greater economic opportunities for residents,” he said. Spectrum Internet will deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for residential and small business customers, featuring starting speeds of 300 Mbps, with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet will offer customers 1 Gbps download speeds, with 300 Mbps and 600 Mbps options. The company has also begun a network evolution that will provide gigabit upstream speeds and multiple gigabit download speeds across its entire 41-state service area, the release said. “I will continue celebrating expanded access to high-speed internet until every family and business in rural Michigan has access at their doorstep,” Sen. Roger Hauck (R-Mt. Pleasant) said in the release. “Thanks to Spectrum’s partnership through the&nbsp;RDOF program, Lake County continues to get closer to this ubiquitous connectivity.” Rep. Joseph Fox (R-Fremont) added that he is thankful for Spectrum’s investment in Lake County. “Access to high-speed internet is limited in rural areas, so those families and businesses often miss out on important benefits from internet connectivity,” he said in the release. “I will continue supporting efforts to roll out broadband to all residents of Lake County.” During the ribbon cutting, Spectrum Charter Communications also presented a donation of $5,000 to FiveCAP, Inc. to support their efforts in Lake County. Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available include Spectrum Mobile and Spectrum TV. Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider based on first quarter 2024 subscriber data among top 3 carriers, and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced Home WiFi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home, the release said. 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 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. </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Ribbon cutting in Idlewild launches Spectrum broadband expansion

A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the expansion that will expand internet and wifi in several Lake County communities.