CHICOPEE — Spectrum is bringing its virtual American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation service to Chicopee. The service connects deaf customers and Spectrum store specialists through a live ASL interpreter, enabling real-time communication in store. Available in select locations across the country, the service is expanding to reach more than 90 Spectrum stores by the end of the year. In Chicopee, the virtual ASL interpretation service is now available at the 591 Memorial Dr. store.

For many deaf customers, a simple store visit can mean relying on handwritten notes or typing messages back and forth. At participating Spectrum stores, customers can scan a QR code using their personal device to connect instantly with a live ASL interpreter, enabling a natural, real-time conversation about Spectrum products, services, billing questions, or account updates.

“Our goal is simple: when someone walks into a Spectrum store, they should feel supported,” said Peter Brown, group vice president, Agency and Accessibility, for Spectrum. “Delivering great service means designing experiences that work for all of our customers and reflect the care and attention they expect from us.”

Spectrum first launched a successful pilot of the virtual ASL interpreting service in Rochester, N.Y. in 2024 and expanded to Austin, Texas; Los Angeles; and New York City in 2025. In 2026, Spectrum is bringing virtual ASL interpretation to 34 additional towns and cities across Spectrum’s service area, focused on communities with strong deaf populations.

WILBRAHAM — Charter (Spectrum) announced a nearly $50 million private investment by the company in Massachusetts, as part of its ongoing and company-wide network evolution project. This major initiative will further enhance Spectrum’s internet services, delivering faster speeds and improved reliability for Spectrum customers across the Commonwealth.

The Spectrum project has been underway in Massachusetts for much of 2025, and the company expects the upgrades will be substantially complete in Massachusetts by the end 2025. The company’s investment will enable the delivery of symmetrical gigabit and multi-gigabit speeds to Spectrum customers in communities throughout Massachusetts, including Wilbraham, Belchertown, Brimfield, Chicopee, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Hadley, Hampden, Ludlow, Southampton, and Wales.

“This nearly $50 million investment in Massachusetts highlights Spectrum’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge internet technology to our customers,” said Camille Joseph, group vice president of State Government Affairs at Charter Communications. “This project is another example of Spectrum’s dedication to continuous improvement, including upgrading our network now to meet the future speed and reliability needs of our residential and business customers, in addition to delivering highest-quality service from our 100% U.S.-based employee workforce, all at great value. Particularly when combined with our award-winning mobile and video services, Spectrum delivers the best in entertainment and connectivity services for our customers.”

State legislators were on hand for the announcement. “Spectrum’s investment in Massachusetts marks a significant step toward closing the digital divide,” state Sen. Jake Oliveira said. “As we move deeper into the digital age, this project will equip our communities with the essential infrastructure to succeed in education, healthcare, and business.”

State Rep. Angelo Puppolo added that “today marks a pivotal moment for our area as Spectrum unveils its commitment to enhancing digital connectivity. This investment is not just about speed; it’s about empowering our residents and businesses with the tools necessary for innovation and growth.”

State Rep. Brian Ashe agreed. “I applaud Spectrum’s dedication to improving digital access across our state,” he said. “This nearly $50 million investment will bring transformative changes, offering unprecedented internet speeds and reliability. Our communities stand to gain significantly, with new opportunities for development and modernization at their doorstep.”

Karen Charles, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable, added that, “together with industry partners like Spectrum, we have continued to tackle the broadband connectivity challenges faced by Massachusetts residents and businesses, and today’s announcement marks another step forward in providing reliable and sustainable broadband service to communities throughout the Commonwealth.”