Including $500,000 in Cash Contributions, $1 Million to be Invested in Area Small
Businesses, and $1 Million
in PSAs to Support Relief Organizations
Key Takeaways:
- Spectrum commits $2.5 million to
support wildfire relief efforts and will activate existing
community-based programs, including Spectrum Community Center
Assist to provide additional support to impacted communities.
- More than 35,000 Spectrum WiFi Access Points have been
opened to the public free of charge to help keep communities
connected.
- Spectrum News 1 SoCal is being made available to Spectrum
customers and non-customers alike to help keep people
informed.
STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 14,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Spectrum announced today it has
committed $2.5 million to assist in
wildfire relief efforts in Southern
California. Spectrum's commitment includes $500,000 in total cash contributions to be split
between the Los Angeles Fire
Department Foundation, American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, and
the California Fire Foundation;
$1 million committed to support small
businesses in the Los Angeles area
through the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund; and
$1 million in in-kind public service
announcement (PSA) airtime to support nonprofit organizations in
their wildfire relief efforts. Spectrum has also established a
microsite to facilitate employee donations to the American Red
Cross.
The Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund provides loans
through community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to
small businesses whose goods and services meet core needs of
underserved communities. In addition, Spectrum will leverage its
other existing community-based programs to support impacted
communities, including Spectrum Community Center Assist which aims
to improve the physical condition of community centers in
underserved rural and urban communities, as well as support
programs that provide job skills training.
Keeping Customers and Communities Connected
To assist
those impacted by the California
wildfires Spectrum has taken steps to keep its customers and
impacted communities connected and informed:
Proactive Credits and Damaged Equipment –
The wildfires and high winds are leading to power outages and
equipment damage which continue to impact our ability to deliver
service. Our local teams are working tirelessly, as conditions
permit, to restore service and we will keep customers posted on
status.
If a customer's home or business has been
damaged resulting in loss of any equipment, we ask that they
contact us so we can ensure they are not charged for damages, and
we can help them with options to stay connected.
After power is restored, customers who are still
without Spectrum service will proactively receive credits for the
time they remain offline. The credits will be applied on their
following bill statement(s). This will happen automatically
- there's no need to contact us. For regular updates customers
should visit Spectrum.net/LAwildfires.
WiFi Access Points – Spectrum has
opened more than 35,000 out-of-home WiFi access points across
Southern California to be
available to all users at no cost. These WiFi access points will
remain open to provide connectivity during the wildfires. WiFi
access points are typically found in public parks, marinas, city
streets and other public areas and will help ensure available
connectivity as the wildfires continue. Spectrum Mobile and
Internet customers will continue to get free, unlimited access to
nationwide Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi on‑the‑go.
Keeping Impacted Communities
Informed – Spectrum News 1 SoCal has lifted all
authentication requirements. Customers and non-customers alike can
watch Spectrum News coverage and stay informed via the Spectrum
News App and at Spectrumnews1.com/ca/southern-california.
Helping Service Organizations - To help
relief and service organizations during the LA Wildfires, Spectrum
is providing a number of Red Cross locations and other service
organizations that have Spectrum a free upgrade to 1 Gig service.
Spectrum is also offering free 1 Gig service through the end of
February to service organizations providing support during the
wildfires that are not currently Spectrum subscribers.
Government and Community Coordination -
We're working closely with federal, state, and local government
officials, community leaders, and alongside others in the industry
to ensure we are meeting needs and sharing appropriate
information.
For Spectrum Employees
Spectrum has activated the
company's Employee Disaster Assistance Policy to support employees
with expenses incurred during this emergency including costs
related to temporary housing, transportation, and the purchase of
food and essential items.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband
connectivity company and cable operator with services available to
more than an estimated 58 million homes and businesses in 41
states. Over an advanced communications network, the Company offers
a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services
including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business®
delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled
with special features and applications to enhance productivity,
while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum
Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions.
Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for
the modern media landscape. The Company also distributes
award-winning news coverage and sports programming to
its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about
Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
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SOURCE Charter Communications, Inc.