Residents and businesses in southeastern Ohio are gaining access to high-speed internet as Spectrum expands its fiber broadband network across more than 20 rural counties, according to a community announcement.
The multi-year construction initiative, driven by more than $7 billion in private investment from Spectrum, aims to add over 100,000 miles of fiber infrastructure and connect 1.7 million new locations nationwide. In Ohio, the project is expected to bring gigabit-speed internet to unserved and underserved areas, including Adams, Athens, Carroll, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington counties.
The expansion is supported by more than an estimated $240 million in combined investment, including the company’s private funding, grants from the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), and local sources.
Improving connectivity in rural communities
Spectrum crews have been working throughout rural communities to lay the foundation for next-generation connectivity, bringing reliable, high-speed internet closer to families, businesses, farms, healthcare providers, and remote workers and learners who have historically faced limited access.
“This represents a significant step forward in our commitment to rural connectivity in Ohio,” Jesse Femyer, area vice president for Spectrum’s Midwest Central service area, said in the announcement. “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 impact is clear – communities that were once overlooked now have access to infrastructure that will serve them for decades.”
State officials highlight importance of broadband access
State officials have emphasized the importance of broadband access for rural communities.
“The DeWine Administration is committed to ensuring that all Ohioans, no matter where they live, have access to dependable, affordable, high-speed internet,” John Carey, director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, said. “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 by a digital divide.”
State Sen. Brian Chavez also praised the investment.
“This continues to build a network backbone that will support rural communities with connectivity services for decades to come," Chavez noted.
Spectrum expands physical presence in rural areas
Spectrum has also expanded its physical presence in rural communities by hiring more technicians and deploying more trucks to uphold its customer commitment, which includes same-day installations and service calls to address issues within hours of being reported, according to the announcement.
Fiber broadband delivers faster speeds, increased reliability, and capacity to support growing digital demands, from telehealth and precision agriculture to online learning and remote work. With new construction milestones achieved, residents and businesses in newly served areas can now access gigabit broadband services designed to support economic growth and improve quality of life.
“High-speed internet and dependable mobile service are a part of the fabric of modern life,” State Rep. Kevin Ritter said, according to the announcement. “Rural communities have fallen behind for too long, and Spectrum’s latest broadband expansion is delivering access to these services to support businesses, learning, healthcare, and overall quality of life.”
Spectrum’s rural expansion will continue in 2026, with new projects planned and ongoing collaboration with local leaders.
Local residents and business owners can visit spectrumruralexpansion.com to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services.
