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Progress continues on Spectrum’s broadband expansion effort in rural southeastern Ohio, which is deep in the heart of Appalachia.

Edited by Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

Spectrum has announced major progress in their multi-year fiber broadband expansion across more than 20 counties in southeastern Ohio.

The initiative, backed by over $7 billion in private investment nationwide, aims to enhance high-speed internet access for over 1.7 million new locations, bringing symmetrical and multi-gigabit speeds to homes and small businesses that have long been underserved, according to Spectrum’s May 27 announcement.

Jesse Femyer, area vice president for Spectrum’s Midwest Central service area, emphasized the project’s significance.

“This represents a significant step forward in our commitment to rural connectivity in Ohio,” Femyer said. “Our teams continue to refine our rural construction process, learning from every buildout and accelerating the pace at which we connect homes and businesses.”

The rollout spans counties including Adams, Athens, Gallia, and Scioto among others, where Spectrum is outfitting communities with fiber infrastructure designed to support everything from telehealth to precision agriculture, the company said.

Spectrum also said the initiative aligns closely with state efforts to bridge the digital divide.

“Through the Ohio Department of Development’s partnerships with providers like Spectrum, Ohioans are now able to connect with loved ones, access healthcare, and find new career opportunities – ensuring Southeast Ohio is not left behind, said John Carey, director of the governor’s Appalachia office.

To support ongoing service demands, Spectrum has additionally expanded its local workforce, increasing technicians and service vehicles, the company said.

Some AI tools assisted in the crafting of this report.

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