News Summary
Kinetic has completed a $32 million public-private partnership with Georgia to expand broadband access in Colquitt County. The initiative will provide fiber-optic internet services to nearly 6,000 locations, improving connectivity for residents and businesses in Moultrie, Doerun, Berlin, Funston, and Norman Park. This investment, partly funded by the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, aims to bridge the digital divide in rural Georgia, ensuring better access for education, healthcare, and local businesses.
Moultrie, Georgia – Kinetic, a prominent fiber-optic internet provider, has successfully completed a $32 million public-private partnership with the state of Georgia, aimed at expanding broadband connectivity in Colquitt County. This significant project will make fiber-optic internet available to nearly 6,000 locations throughout the county, benefiting both residents and local businesses.
The areas directly served by this expansion include Moultrie, Doerun, Berlin, Funston, and Norman Park. Residents and small businesses in these areas can now reach out to Kinetic to access the new fiber internet services, which promise faster speeds, improved reliability, and enhanced connectivity for both personal and professional use.
This funding partnership comprised approximately $21.3 million provided by the State Fiscal Recovery Fund, with Kinetic itself contributing an additional $11.1 million. The collaborative efforts between Kinetic and the state, involving 25 counties, have totaled over $354 million invested in enhancing Georgia’s broadband infrastructure since the inception of the American Rescue Plan Act in 2021.
Kinetic’s initiative is particularly focused on bridging the digital divide in rural southwest Georgia, which is critical for advancing opportunities in education, healthcare, and local businesses. This expansion project is expected to benefit more than 70% of Colquitt County residents by the end of 2024, directly addressing the need for reliable internet access that is essential for remote learning, telehealth services, and online job applications, a necessity that was underscored during the pandemic.
Michael Foor, Kinetic’s president of Georgia Operations, noted that this achievement represents a significant milestone for the Colquitt County community, indicating a commitment to improving the quality of life through better access to technology. The initiative is also supported by Colquitt EMC, with whom Kinetic has collaborated since their agreement in 2020 to improve fiber broadband services in the region.
With this new fiber internet service, residents can expect to connect to a range of essential services, such as streaming platforms and home security systems, which were frequently hampered by slow internet connections during peak usage before the fiber installation began. The project’s rollout will significantly enhance the capability of both individuals and businesses to stay connected.
State Senator Sam Watson commended the public-private partnership for its role in addressing the critical infrastructure needs of the area, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in fostering local economic growth. Meanwhile, Danny Nichols, president and CEO of Colquitt EMC, highlighted the positive impact this project will have on the community’s connectivity and services.
As part of Kinetic’s strategic plan, a total of over 23,500 locations in Colquitt County are now eligible for improved fiber internet services. Residents interested in learning more about these new offerings can contact Kinetic directly at (229) 317-1607 or visit their official website to access additional information.
The project has received essential federal support via the American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, underscoring the significance of collaborative efforts between state and local entities to enhance broadband access in underserved areas.
As Kinetic unveils this extensive fiber-optic internet expansion, the residents of Colquitt County are expected to embrace the benefits of enhanced connectivity, leading to improved educational opportunities, better healthcare access, and increased business potential in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Business Wire: Additional 6000 Residents Across Colquitt County Now Eligible for Kinetics Fiber Optic Internet
- WALB: Kinetic Fiber Internet for 70 Percent of Colquitt Co Residents
- WTXL: New Broadband Project to Give 16K Lowndes County Residents Fiber Internet
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Broadband
- Google Search: Kinetic Fiber Internet
