COLUMBIA, SC — The South Carolina Broadband Office (SCBBO) is pleased to announce funding for the two remaining underserved Main Street communities in the state – the towns of Norway and Ridge Spring. These investments, when combined with previous grant rounds, finalize broadband investments for all predominantly underserved Main Streets in South Carolina and – when construction completes by the end of 2024 – will eliminate the Main Street digital divide.
For this phase of investments, the SCBBO selected Charter Communications (Charter) through its American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Capital Projects Fund (CPF 1.0) competitive grant program and committed $1,562,236, which will completely transform the communities of Norway and Ridge Spring.
“These CPF investments are an important part of our overall strategy, and they create the foundation for solid economic development and quality-of-life improvements for all our residents,” said Andrew Bateman, Acting Executive Director of the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff.
In the town of Norway, 390 residential units and 47 businesses will receive fiber to the premises, and Charter has agreed to deploy free public Wi-Fi in the Main Street area and provide a $25,000 digital-education grant to the community. The overall project is estimated to include 39 miles of fiber and cost approximately $2.2 million. The SCBBO is investing $940,517, and Charter will cover the remaining cost.
In the town of Ridge Spring, 363 residential units and 28 businesses will receive fiber to the premises, and Charter has agreed to deploy free public Wi-Fi in the Main Street area and provide a $25,000 digital-education grant to the community. The overall project is estimated to include 31 miles of fiber and cost approximately $1.8 million. The SCBBO is investing $621,719, and Charter will cover the remaining cost.
“Eliminating the South Carolina Main Street digital divide is a primary goal of our CPF investments in South Carolina,” said Jim Stritzinger, Director of the SC Broadband Office. “It is hard to believe that by the end of this year, every municipality that features a Main Street in the state should have robust high-speed broadband service.”
An interactive map of CPF grant awards is available here, and more information can be found at ors.sc.gov/broadband.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
“Charter applauds the SCBBO’s bold initiative to quickly connect the underserved towns of Norway and Ridge Spring to reliable, high-speed internet access. Charter looks forward to the opportunity to deliver Spectrum services to even more South Carolinians and to extending our ongoing partnerships with state leaders – including Mayor Garrick, Mayor Etheredge, and the Office of Regulatory Staff – who recognize the importance of connectivity to the future of the Palmetto State.”
Marva Johnson, Group Vice President, State Government Affairs (South Region)
Charter Communications
“At the Treasury Department, we’re working to expand opportunity for Main Street business owners and entrepreneurs, including through increased access to high-speed internet. These investments from the American Rescue Plan are closing the digital divide across the country and helping South Carolinians fully participate and compete in today’s economy.”
Wally Adeyemo, Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Treasury
“I’m beyond excited for what the future holds for us here in Norway. Strong, reliable internet connections will have a lasting, positive impact on our students, existing businesses and new recruitment, and senior citizens throughout our community. We appreciate all the time, resources, and collaboration between entities that will ensure this project is a huge success.”
Lynn Garrick, Mayor of Norway, South Carolina
“Hearing the news of this investment between the SCBBO and Charter/Spectrum made me think of so many new opportunities for our residents in Ridge Spring. From telehealth possibilities – to enhancing community safety – to having a stable internet connection for those who work from home, we look forward to these and many other benefits that will help our town and residents thrive.”
Qwendolyn Etheredge, Mayor of Ridge Spring, South Carolina
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The SCBBO is housed within the state’s Office of Regulatory Staff. It serves as the central broadband planning body to coordinate with federal, state, regional, local, and private entities, to the extent practicable, to engage in the continued deployment of broadband in the state.