Windstream to Partner With Georgia Electric Co-Op for $33 Million Fiber Project

Windstream's Kinetic is embarking on another fiber partnership in Georgia, this time with the assistance of an electric cooperative, Colquitt EMC.

The initiative carries a price tag of $32.5 million and aims to establish connectivity for a total of 17,000 residences and commercial entities in Colquitt County within the coming year. Kinetic will harness $21.4 million from state grants, courtesy of the American Rescue Plan Act, and contribute an additional $11.1 million of its own for overages.

A spokesperson for Kinetic highlighted that this particular public-private partnership represents their most extensive undertaking in Georgia thus far. The company is currently involved in 25 public-private collaborations within the state, with additional projects in regions like Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Currently, 9,700 locations, accounting for roughly 40% of Colquitt County, already have Kinetic fiber infrastructure in place. The plan is to extend services to an additional 7,400 customers through the new construction.

Michael Foor, President of Kinetic's Georgia operations, acknowledged the crucial role played by Colquitt EMC in the deployment of fiber within its service area. Regarding the cooperative's involvement in the public-private partnership, the Kinetic representative revealed that Colquitt EMC is supportive of Windstream's funding applications submitted to the state on behalf of these areas. The electricity co-op will help with make-ready work and will not charge for pole attachments needed to support fiber optic service for members." This also lays the groundwork for future applications related to the EMC's smart grid.

Windstream had earlier announced its intent to expand its fiber presence by constructing 95,000 new fiber locations in Georgia by the conclusion of 2023. While Kinetic has made significant strides toward this objective, full completion is anticipated to extend into 2024. The company has more than 1,000 active projects in 37 counties across Georgia.

Windstream has an 18-state footprint and intends to add 300,000 fiber locations annually across its total coverage area.