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Charter launches Internet, TV service in rural North Carolina

Charter Communications has launched its Spectrum-branded broadband Internet, television and wireless phone service in a rural part of North Carolina.

More than 480 homes and small businesses will now be able to sign up for those Spectrum services, as well as Spectrum Voice voice-over-Internet (VoIP) phone, in Duplin County, the company said in a press release.

Officials with Charter said the launch of Spectrum in Duplin County is part of its $5 billion investment to bring broadband Internet, TV and related services to underserved, rural communities. A portion of that money — about $1.2 billion — comes from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction, which was held more than two years ago.

“Through RDOF, Spectrum is making a multiyear investment to extend gigabit broadband networks to unserved communities across America,” Jonathan Holt, the vice president of construction at Charter’s Specrum, said in a statement. “Our commitment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services now available in Duplin County. We are providing superior connectivity to local residents and small businesses at highly competitive prices, backed by an organization committed to craftsmanship and service.”

Charter said its gig-speed Spectrum Internet service is now available to business customers in Duplin County, while residential customers can choose from packages that start with 300 megabits per second.

“The FCC’s RDOF expansion across many unserved areas of North Carolina will bring connectivity to thousands of families that need it, including in Duplin County,” State Senator Brent Jackson, who represents constituents in that county, said. “Now, more students, workers, and patients will be able to access a high-speed connection at home – a critical service that was underscored over the last two years.”

In addition to the broadband Internet service, homes and businesses within Spectrum’s footprint also have access to Spectrum Mobile, a wireless phone service that runs on Verizon’s network.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys covers the business of broadcast and streaming TV, radio broadcasting, social media, technology and telecommunications. A journalist for over 15 years, Matthew previously worked at Thomson Reuters, KGO-TV in San Francisco, KTXL in Sacramento and McNaughton Newspapers. He received 9 California Journalism Awards between 2018 and 2020, and is a member of IRE (Investigative Reporters and Editors).
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