Spectrum announced Tuesday the launch of Spectrum Internet, Mobile, TV and Voice services to more than 660 homes and small businesses in Leelanau County.
Spectrum’s newly-constructed fiber-optic network buildout to residents and businesses in portions of Cleveland, Glenn Arbor, Empire and Kasson Townships, is part of the company’s approximately $9 billion investment in previously unserved or underserved rural communities, partly offset by $2 billion in government support funding.
The company’s rural expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1.75 million customer locations across 24 states.
“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Michigan and across America,” said Thomas Yates, Vice President of Construction leading Spectrum’s Michigan buildouts. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in Leelanau 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.”
Spectrum Internet delivers 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 offers 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.
“Bringing high-speed connectivity to northern Michigan families remains a top priority for me,” said U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. “Thanks to the partnership between Charter and the FCC, high-speed Internet is arriving at more homes and businesses that have not had reliable connectivity. This is another great step in the right direction for those who call Northern Michigan home.”
Spectrum Internet 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.”
“Broadband service can no longer be considered a luxury, especially in incredibly remote areas like northern Michigan and the Eastern UP,” said State Senator John Damoose. “Spectrum’s latest expansion is delivering high-speed connectivity and internet services to Leelanau County and this type of infrastructure investment in rural Michigan is a boon for our small, rural communities like Cleveland, Glen Arbor, Kasson, and Solon Townships.”
State Rep. Betsy Coffia echoed Damoose’s comment.
“Access to high-speed internet supports economic growth and educational opportunity – two pillars of a healthy community,” she said. “Spectrum’s announcement in Leelanau County means increased potential for Michigan families and businesses, including farmers who increasingly rely on broadband to grow our food.”
