Charter to acquire assets of Maine-based Bee Line Cable

Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 
Charter logo

Investing to Deliver Symmetrical and Multi-Gigabit Speeds to More Than 700,000 Maine Homes and Businesses with Additional Investment to Extend Network to Thousands More Unserved Homes and Small Businesses

Today, Charter announced an investment of approximately $70 million in Maine, part of a companywide network evolution that will enable the delivery of symmetrical and multiple gigabit speeds across the state. This 100% Charter-funded investment is expected to be substantially complete across the company’s Maine service area, which comprises more than 700,000 homes and businesses, by the end of 2025.

We also announced an additional $12 million commitment in further rural broadband expansion in Maine, which will bring gigabit-speed broadband access to over 3,500 unserved homes and small businesses in several towns in Somerset and Oxford counties. The company also announced an agreement to acquire assets of Madison, Maine-based Bee Line Cable and launch its suite of Spectrum-branded connectivity services in communities currently served by Bee Line, bringing broadband speed and service enhancements to thousands of its Somerset, Franklin, and Penobscot County customers.

“In today’s world, broadband isn’t a luxury – it’s fundamental for our people and our economy. Spectrum’s substantial investment will help thousands of Maine people gain the reliable internet connection they need to work, study, start a business, see a doctor, and keep in touch with friends and family. I thank Spectrum for its commitment to Maine and for its continued partnership as our state works aggressively to reach my goal of ensuring that everyone who wants a reliable internet connection can have one by the end of 2024.” – Governor Janet Mills

“A reliable, high-speed internet connection is essential to Maine people. Gov. Mills has a bold vision for a fully connected Maine, and private sector investment and partnership from companies like Charter are critical to our ability to make that happen.” – Heather Johnson, Commissioner of Economic and Community Development

With regulatory approvals now complete, Charter expects to close on the Bee Line transaction soon and plans to invest millions in its network and operations in communities currently served by Bee Line. When its suite of Spectrum services is launched, consumers will have access to starting broadband speeds of 300 Mbps — 10 times faster than Bee Line’s base offering — as well as gigabit options (double the fastest speed offered by Bee Line) and Spectrum Mobile™ service offering unlimited lines for just $29.99/month.

“As the State’s broadband agency – The Maine Connectivity Authority is excited to have helped enable the conditions for this type of investment in the State. Public-private partnerships that leverage local resources with private investment are a key way of enabling a competitive market that can address our goals of universal, affordable connectivity for everyone as soon as possible.” – Andrew Butcher, President, Maine Connectivity Authority

Charter’s Commitment to Maine

Charter serves over 466,000 customers in 295 communities and employs more than 750 people across the state. Charter continues to drive innovation and grow economies from coast to coast in big and small cities and rural communities. In 2022 alone, Charter extended the reach of its network to an additional 10,000 homes and small businesses and made capital investments of $73 million in technology and infrastructure in Maine.

“Internet access is key to operating successful businesses, growing economies and developing thriving communities. Spectrum’s network upgrade and expansion across Maine will ensure our state is set for future prosperity.” – Kimberly Lindlof, President & CEO, Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce

Spectrum Is Delivering Gigabit Speeds to Mainers Today, with No Modem Fees, Data Caps or Contracts

Spectrum Internet currently delivers speeds up to 1 Gbps and Advanced WiFi for both residential customers and small business clients, and starting speeds of 300 Mbps with no modem fees, data caps or contracts. Spectrum Business Internet offers its clients plans with starting download speeds of 300 Mbps, with 600 Mbps, and 1 Gbps options.

Spectrum Internet has been consecutively ranked as one of the best internet service providers by U.S. News & World Report, and also earned the highest rating among the Best Internet Service Providers for Rural Areas. Spectrum Internet also exceeded advertised download and upload speeds for all tiers measured — even during peak weeknight usage between 7 and 11 p.m. — according to the FCC’s most recent “Measuring Broadband America Fixed Broadband Report” issued in January 2023.

Helping Families in Need Get Connected

Charter’s significant participation in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) EBB program and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which makes quality, high-speed internet service available at a low— or even at no—cost to eligible families in financial need, has helped millions of families across the country get connected. All Spectrum Internet plans are eligible for ACP credits, and because customers aren’t locked into a contract, families can always choose the right plan to meet their changing needs.

Links: Charter