Spectrum begins project to provide broadband to 3 Northeast Ga. counties

The internet provider and cable television giant Spectrum recently announced that over the next three years the company will expand broadband capabilities to unserved areas in Madison, Oglethorpe and Banks counties.

A schedule for the construction has not been announced, but Spectrum communication spokesperson Patti Michel said Tuesday that the work is required to be completed by the end of 2026.

The work is expected to serve about 11,000 homes and small businesses in these three counties and is made possible by a $33.8 million Georgia Capital Projects Fund Grant Program that was announced in January by Gov. Brian Kemp.

Overall, the $234 million state grant will help fund expansion projects by 12 different internet service providers in 28 counties in Georgia, according to the governor’s office.

Spectrum, a product of Charter Communications, will invest nearly $42 million on the $75 million project in the three Northeast Georgia counties, according to Michel.

“It’s coming, but have patience because it is going to be a process,” she said.

The first stage of the project is underway now and Michel said residents of the three counties should see Spectrum vehicles and employees in the area as they examine the terrain and determine the challenges they will face in running miles of fiber such as steep hills and heavy vegetation.

This initial work will help designers prepare the best network route to reach user, according to Michel.

Spectrum, America's largest rural broadband provider, is committed to bringing this service to rural areas that currently don’t have the service, Michel said.

“These projects take time especially when you are doing miles and miles of fiber,” she said.

In a statement released by Spectrum, Georgia House District 47 Rep. Frank Ginn of Danielsville said it is a “big day” for families and businesses in his district.

“Spectrum’s high-speed broadband expansion to unserved and underserved parts of Madison County is a timely one that will spur additional economic development in these communities,” he said.

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This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Spectrum kicks off internet expansion in Madison, Oglethorpe and Banks