Athens Reporter

Spectrum representatives this week joined the Oconee County Commission in celebrating the installation of its first cabinet from which Spectrum will run its network that will ultimately bring Spectrum gigabit service to unserved areas. Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum will offer its full suite of services, including Spectrum TV®, Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum Voice®. 

The cabinet is one of two being installed as a result of a direct partnership made with the Oconee County Commission that will bring broadband to thousands of homes and small businesses. 

“Spectrum is committed to expanding in rural communities,“said Catherine Fleming, Director of Government Affairs for Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of broadband connectivity products. “This investment will ensure families and businesses can participate fully in the digital world, now and well into the future.”

The six phase project (walkout, design, permitting, pole attachment approvals,construction and activation)  is well underway with physical construction to homes and small businesses targeted to begin in early 2023 with customer activations available shortly thereafter.  

“The progress being made on this project means our citizens are one step closer to true broadband service,” said Oconee County Chairman John Daniell. “We are thrilled to work with a company like Spectrum to close the digital divide.”

“Reliable internet access isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s an absolute necessity,” said state Sen. Bill Cowsert.  “I’m thrilled to see Oconee County and Spectrum making a positive impact for generations to come.”

“As we continue to rely more and more on the internet, we need to make sure our rural communities and small businesses aren’t left behind,” said state Rep. Houston Gaines. “This broadband expansion project will help keep our state competitive and will ensure we’re reaching communities that would not otherwise be served.”

“These type of collaborative partnerships can serve as a model for other counties and providers in the state,” said Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission. “We are thrilled to support this expansion that will ultimately benefit Georgia citizens and the local economy.” 

Original source can be found here.