Windstream, Colquitt EMC target rural Georgia for Kinetic broadband expansion
Windstream and Georgia electric cooperative Colquitt Electric Membership Corp. (Colquitt EMC) say they will partner to deliver access to Kinetic by Windstream broadband service to the co-op’s members. The two companies will share responsibility for expanding the Kinetic fiber broadband network for this purpose.
Colquitt EMC’s coverage areas include some of Georgia’s most rural communities. The collaboration will provide these areas with access to gigabit broadband. “Once state law allowed EMC’s to engage in the broadband effort, Colquitt EMC recognized that a partnership is the best strategy,” said Danny Nicholls, general manager of Colquitt EMC. “We have enjoyed a positive working relationship with Windstream. Through our discussions, we have found a common goal, and we look forward to impacting our members and Windstream customers.”
“This is a great day for Windstream, Colquitt EMC, and Colquitt’s members,” added J Berkshire, president of Windstream Operations in Georgia. “By combining resources, our two organizations will accelerate Kinetic broadband deployment to customers in many locations in Colquitt’s service territory. For Windstream, this is another important step in our continuing effort to expand broadband access in some of the most hard-to-reach areas of Georgia. We look forward to a long and productive relationship with the great folks at Colquitt EMC that will benefit all of our shared communities.”
“As the Georgia Broadband Availability Map shows, more than 70% of unserved areas are in rural Georgia,” commented Commissioner Christopher Nunn of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. “This Windstream-Colquitt EMC partnership is significant, as it demonstrates the importance of working collaboratively to close the gap and improve connectivity for millions of Georgians. Through this investment and many others like it, providers and communities seek to deliver an essential business and quality-of-life need that is key to long-term vitality of rural areas all across our state.”
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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