Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Charter Communications, EarthLink Broadband, Spectrum, Ohio Fiber Expansion, and others.
Spectrum Completes Ohio Fiber Expansion Covering 13,600 Homes and Businesses with 2 Gbps Broadband
Charter Communications has completed a fiber broadband expansion covering more than 13,600 additional homes and businesses in Butler and Warren counties, Ohio. Announced on October 16, the deployment provides connectivity to approximately 6,300 locations in Butler County and 7,300 in Warren County. The newly available infrastructure supports broadband download speeds of up to 2 Gbps. Construction forms part of Charter’s nationwide rural broadband initiative, backed by more than $7 billion in private investment. The wider program targets over 1.7 million additional locations and more than 100,000 miles of new fiber infrastructure. The company did not disclose the standalone investment or fiber length associated with the two completed Ohio county projects.
Mormugao Port Secures India’s First Government Private 5G Authorization with 20-Year Validity
Mormugao Port has become India’s first major port and government autonomous body to obtain Captive Non-Public Network authorization for a dedicated private 5G network. The Department of Telecommunications granted the authorization in September 2026, with a 20-year validity period. The development was publicly announced in October. The proposed network will support cargo tracking, automated logistics, connected sensors, drone surveillance and real-time monitoring of port infrastructure. The port authority has appointed a consultant to prepare a detailed project report and issued a request for information to identify equipment suppliers and system integrators. Proof-of-concept trials are underway. Spectrum allocation, equipment contracts, investment value and commissioning dates have not been disclosed.
WaveDivision Capital-Led Investors Acquire EarthLink Broadband Business Serving 500,000 Customers
WaveDivision Capital, Stephens Capital Partners and The Pritzker Organization have announced an agreement with management to acquire EarthLink. Announced on October 15, 2026, the transaction covers a nationwide broadband platform serving more than 500,000 internet and managed-services customers. EarthLink operates through wholesale relationships with major fiber and 5G network providers, enabling it to offer fiber broadband at more than 68 million US homes without owning equivalent nationwide last-mile infrastructure. Existing investor Trive Capital will retain a minority investment. The new ownership group plans to expand EarthLink’s broadband availability and wholesale partnerships. Financial terms, transaction valuation, closing timetable and planned infrastructure investment were not disclosed.