Windstream, Colquitt Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC), and Lowndes County, Ga. to team for the broadband services.
The major objective of their partnership is to provide high-speed internet access (broadband) to around 16,000 places in the county, which will cost about $39 million.
Windstream will contribute around $17.6 million. The remaining $21.7 million comes from two sources: the Georgia State Fiscal Recovery Fund and the county’s funds.
Windstream is liable to cover any extra costs that might come up during the project.
The project is to install 806 miles of fiber optic cables throughout the county. This fiber optic network will allow for super-fast internet speeds, capable of reaching multi-gigabit levels.
The project has already started and is expected to finish by the end of 2026. Once completed, residents and businesses in Lowndes County will have access to high-speed internet services.
Lowndes County and the state are managing the project, which is funded by the Georgia State Fiscal Recovery Fund.
This fund is supported by the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF), part of the American Rescue Plan Act, overseen by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Windstream and Colquitt EMC started their partnership in 2019 following a new law passed by the Georgia State Legislature. This law allowed EMCs to offer broadband services to areas that lacked them.
Colquitt EMC reached out to broadband providers at that time to explore collaboration opportunities.
“After months of dedicated collaboration, I’m proud to stand here today and witness the development of these 16,000 locations in Kinetic’s largest Georgia fiber build project to date,” Michael Foor, Georgia Kinetic Operations President, expressed her view on the news.
“As a Georgian, this moment marks not just the culmination of our collective efforts but also the beginning of a transformative journey for us and businesses across the communities of Lowndes County.”
Georgia Broadband Director Jessica Simmons also said, “As we mark this groundbreaking moment for Kinetic’s 16,000-location development, it’s important to recognize that with their services, opportunity knows no bounds, regardless of zip code.”
She further added, “This project is more than just laying cables; it’s about laying the foundation for future generations in Georgia to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
Kinetic Overview:
Kinetic is a part of Windstream, a company that provides internet and communication services. Kinetic specifically offers high-speed internet, known as broadband, to homes and small businesses in 18 different states.
Their focus is on delivering top-notch quality to their customers, helping them access new opportunities and services.
Along with the internet service, they also provide other advanced communication services.
For example, they offer cloud-based communication and security services to bigger businesses and government organizations across the United States.
Additionally, they offer specialized solutions, such as customized wavelength and dark fiber services, to other communication companies, content providers, and big internet companies in the U.S. and Canada.
Windstream is the parent company of Kinetic, managing three different brands. In addition to Kinetic, Windstream offers a range of services to businesses and organizations across the country.
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