Charter expands broadband access in Smith, other area counties [Video]

SMITH COUNTY, Texas — People in numerous East Texas counties will have broadband internet as part of a federal effort to expand internet access across the nation.

Charter Communications, the parent company of internet provider Spectrum, aims to bring high-speed internet to homes and businesses in 56 East Texas counties through 2025. The company’s $5 billion nationwide internet expansion effort has received $1.2 billion in federal funding through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which dispersed billions to companies seeking to bring broadband access to people who previously haven’t had it.

East Texas is one of the least-connected regions of the state, according to the Texas Broadband Development Office. Expanding broadband access has become a priority for state and federal lawmakers since the coronavirus pandemic, when people increasingly needed internet access for healthcare and education.

Read more from …