Darlington “Connected” by Spectrum
A Spectrum employee connects the new aerial network lines during the recent rural expansion of service.
Workers lay new underground cables during the recent rural service expansion operation.
By Stephan Drew, Editor
Darlington County has entered a new era of connectivity with the completion of Spectrum’s Rural Broadband Expansion project. Spearheaded as part of the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF), this groundbreaking initiative has brought high-speed internet access to over 4,000 homes and small businesses in the area, marking a significant milestone in bridging the digital divide.
The News & Press spoke with Alex Gonzalez, Area Vice President of Field Operations for Spectrum South Carolina, about the project and its impact.“Spectrum is committed to expanding services and resources to the area,” Gonzalez emphasized. “This is a brand-new network, not an upgrade or repair of an older system.”
Since the project’s inception in December 2021, Spectrum has installed more than 517 miles of underground cable and aerial network lines, completing the work by September 2024. The Broadband expansion is part of Spectrum’s rural construction initiative, which allocated $9 billion, including $7 billion in private investment from Spectrum to provide broadband access to 1.75 million homes nationwide. In 2025, they plan to start focusing on the private investment.
For Darlington County, this means access to 1GB symmetrical service starting at 500MB, with no modem fees, contracts, or data caps. The service promises to support residents and businesses with reliable, high-speed internet crucial for work, education, healthcare, and everyday life in the following ways: • Economic Growth: With enhanced broadband infrastructure, Darlington County is poised for economic development. Small businesses now have the tools to grow through e-commerce and digital platforms, attracting remote workers and new enterprises.
Education: Students in rural areas now enjoy equal access to distance learning and online educational resources, leveling the playing field with their urban counterparts.
Healthcare: Telemedicine services become more accessible, reducing travel times and costs for medical consultations, particularly for residents in remote areas.
Quality of Life: Reliable internet access enriches daily life, from staying connected with loved ones to accessing entertainment and staying informed about local and global events.
Jon Sturkie, owner of Sturkie Land Clearing and Demolition, shared his firsthand experience with the new service. After seeing a commercial about the program, he worked closely with Spectrum representatives to adopt the upgraded system. Now, Sturkie’s business operates two networks, running 99% of its operations online. “The best thing is, it’s not only faster, it’s much more reliable,” Sturkie said. “This new broadband is vital to my business.”
While the current project is complete, Spectrum’s commitment to improved broadband ex-pansion continues, ensuring that all residents have the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.Darlington County’s broadband expansion is a transformative step forward, providing vital resources for work, education, and healthcare while fostering economic growth and en-hancing community ties. As Spectrum looks ahead, the promise of reliable, high-speed internet access for the nation is easily within reach.
