TEXAS — Charter Communications is expanding access to rural broadband in East Texas by making a $400 million investment in what it considers to be one of the most underserved areas in the U.S., the company announced Monday at an event in Mount Pleasant, Texas.  

A number of state lawmakers were on hand for the announcement, among them Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-District 1, who says the connection will be vital to Texas communities. 

"High-speed internet is really something everyone should have access to to fully enjoy the American dream," Hughes said. "Our social fabric, commerce, education — it's important for all those things, so we're very excited about seeing more people in rural East Texas have access."

The expansion is expected to connect more than 130,000 homes and small businesses to broadband internet. 

Charter Communications is the parent company of Spectrum and Spectrum News 1.