Spectrum Begins Network Expansion in Rural Areas

Spectrum announced construction is underway on several fiber-optic network expansion projects that will bring gigabit broadband and other Spectrum services to more than 860 homes and small businesses in parts of Cass, Clay and Johnson Counties.

The buildout is part of Spectrum’s approximately $5 billion investment in unserved rural areas, which includes $1.2 billion won in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) auction. The company’s RDOF expansion will provide broadband access to approximately 1 million customer locations as estimated by the FCC across 24 states in the coming years.

Spectrum services are expected to be available to residents and small business owners in the buildout area beginning in the next several months. Rated by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Internet Service Provider for Rural Areas in its 2021-22 ratings, Spectrum will offer a variety of broadband options, including Spectrum Internet Gig, featuring download speeds up to 1 Gbps, and its flagship Spectrum Internet® service, with starting download speeds of 200 Mbps.

“Broadband is a vital resource for work, learning and personal connection,” said Matt Brown, Vice President of Construction at Spectrum. “Leveraging resources won in the RDOF auction, we’re building a high-speed, high-capacity network that will bring gigabit internet to thousands of homes and small businesses in the Kansas City area — an investment that will ensure families and businesses can participate fully in the digital world, now and well into the future.”

Along with multiple broadband options, Spectrum will offer its full suite of services, including Spectrum TV®, Spectrum Mobile™ and Spectrum Voice®. 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.

Overall, Spectrum expects to hire more than 2,000 employees and contractors nationwide to support the RDOF and future rural buildout initiatives, including local crews in state for network construction. Spectrum currently employs more than 6,500 people in Missouri, with employees earning at least $20 an hour including target commissions.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story