MT PLEASANT, Texas — Spectrum is working to get internet to rural East Texas.
State Sen. Bryan Hughes and state Rep. Cole Hefner joined Spectrum officials in Mt. Pleasant Wednesday to celebrate investments aiming to bring broadband to rural communities throughout East Texas, which is one of the most underserved regions in the nation, according to the press release.
“East Texas is a land of opportunity, but in today’s digital world, fully realizing that opportunity hinges on a reliable internet connection,” Hughes said. “Today we’re celebrating significant advancements to bring high-speed internet to unserved East Texas homes and businesses in partnership with Spectrum and community stakeholders – this is a win for Texas’ most rural areas.”
According to the press release, the company’s construction efforts in East Texas are well underway and more than 9,700 homes and small businesses in Titus, Franklin, Red River and Hopkins counties have already been connected, with additional work continuing in these areas. Projects are also planned to bring services to residents in parts of Camp, Morris, and Wood counties.
“We are in the midst of an unprecedented effort to build out our network to reach some of the most hard-to-serve locations in Texas,” Mike Matson, Texas regional vice president of field operations for Charter Communications, Inc. said. “Because the need is so clear, and the urgency is there, Spectrum has doubled down to put more resources and focus on connecting rural areas across Texas – especially in the eastern portion of the state.”
Matson said execution of Spectrum’s accelerated rural deployment plan is dependent on several factors, such as permits and cooperation from local utility companies.
“It takes a village to deliver internet service to these rural areas,” Matson said. “With more distance between homes, construction teams must access several poles just to reach one homeowner.”
“Expanding broadband infrastructure to rural communities requires extensive coordination and resources,” Hefner said. “Spectrum’s connectivity services will open new doors for East Texas families and businesses, and we look forward to internet access for all East Texans – and quickly.”
Local residents and business owners who want to learn more about when their home or business may be able to receive Spectrum services, click here.