MARION COUNTY, Fla. — People living in rural Marion county now have access to high-speed internet. 

Spectrum and key federal, state and local partners celebrated expanded broadband service to 6,700 businesses and homes.

What You Need To Know

  • Spectrum has expanded broadband service to 6,700 businesses and homes in rural Marion County

  • Spectrum has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission, state and local officials to expand service

  • 2024 alone, Spectrum extended its network to reach more than 1.5 million additional homes and businesses across the country 

Since 2002, Goldmark farm owners Janelle and Paul Bulmahn have provided elite equine athletes top tier training and rehabilitation.

It’s a business that relies on internet access to reach local and international clients.

“The system we had here before was very sporadic,” Goldmark farm owner Janelle Bulmahn said.

The Bulmahn’s business is among the 6,700 connections within rural Marion county that will now receive high-speed internet. 

It’s part of a partnership with the Federal Communications Commission, along with state and local officials to expand broadband. 

“The fact that we have the confidence to know that we have high-speed internet and that our cellphones aren’t dropping all the time, and were connected because all our clients use the system,” Bulmahn said.

With the latest expansion into Marion county, Spectrum has activated 35,000 underserved homes and businesses in the state of Florida.

U.S. Representative Kat Cammack says this effort is long overdue, especially here in an area that is 90% rural. 

“For the longest time the government was behind,” Cammack said. “Now we are seeing where high-speed internet is not a luxury anymore, it’s a requirement, and it’s necessary. Every element of our life is online at this point in time and Spectrum is meeting that need.” 

Spectrum says it’s not just about providing internet, it’s providing a service that will help its customers grow their economic opportunities. 

“Continue to build and expand and help our residents connect to the world in ways they couldn’t before whether it is to educate from home, work from home or expand their businesses,” Charter Communications Regional Vice President for the Southeast Region Geoff Banning said.

Spectrum will continue to expand its network across its footprint to let businesses like Goldmark farms continue to grow their markets for future success.

In 2024 alone, Spectrum extended its network to reach more than 1.5 million additional homes and businesses across the country.

Spectrum is the parent company of Spectrum News.