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Spectrum announced Tuesday, Dec. 12, the launch of Spectrum internet, mobile, TV and voice services to more than 1,200 homes and small businesses in Southampton County. 

A Spectrum news release noted that Spectrum’s newly constructed fiber-optic network buildout in Southampton County is part of the company’s approximately $5 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund-related investment in unserved rural communities, partly offset by $1.2 billion in the Federal Communications Commission’s RDOF auction.

The release stated that Spectrum is the No. 1 rural internet provider in the nation based on December 2022 FCC Broadband Data Collection locations. 

Spectrum’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to 1.3 million customer locations across 24 states in the coming years, the release continued. Spectrum has also won more than $700 million in state broadband expansion subsidies, which, combined with Spectrum investment, will connect another 300,000 homes and small businesses.

“Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities in Virginia and across America through RDOF,” said Tim Williams, vice president of construction at Spectrum. “Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in Southampton County. We are providing local 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 Wi-Fi 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.

“In our increasingly digital world, access to high-speed, affordable internet is a necessity, not a luxury,” said U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan. “Deploying reliable broadband infrastructure across Virginia is an opportunity to connect all our residents and businesses to fast speeds that build businesses, support remote work and school and bring families together, no matter the distance. I’m thankful for Spectrum’s dedication to partner with rural communities and expand its infrastructure with support from the federal Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.”

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” issued in January 2023.

“I’ve worked tirelessly on behalf of my constituents to secure funding to expand broadband access in unserved parts of my district,” said Virginia 64th District Del. Emily Brewer, who was recently elected to the Virginia Senate District 17 seat that has a similar footprint. “And today’s announcement from Spectrum is helping close our digital divide and offer reliable connectivity to more Southampton County residents.”

Spectrum also was a day one participant in the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which makes quality, high-speed internet service available at a low — or even at no — cost to eligible families in financial need. All Spectrum Internet plans are eligible for ACP credits, and because customers are not locked into a contract, families can always choose the right broadband plan to meet their changing needs.

“The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund and Virginia Telecommunication Initiative funding that is available to allow Charter/Spectrum to install fiber-optic cable throughout Southampton County is a major benefit to our farms, businesses and homeowners,” Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. President and CEO Karl. T Heck said. “Farmers with GPS-equipped equipment can increase yields significantly by being fully able to utilize that capacity. Homes and businesses are increasingly dependent on broadband connections for work, school and entertainment. The installations and new service give people in Southampton County a leg up over many other rural locations.”

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum services now available also include Spectrum Mobile and Spectrum TV. 

The release noted that Spectrum Mobile is the nation’s fastest-growing mobile provider, based on year end 2022 subscriber data among the top three carriers, and combines with Spectrum Internet and Advanced Home Wi-Fi to provide seamless connectivity inside and outside the home. 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. The release added that using the Spectrum TV App — the highest-rated pay TV streaming app in the U.S. based on iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) average ratings as of Oct. 1 — 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.