Kinetic, a local residential and business fiber internet service provider, officially inaugurated Lake Sinclair and east Baldwin County’s high-speed fiber internet expansion, connecting over 700 households in the area. This $1.9 million transformative project represents a collaborative effort between state and local governments and Kinetic to enhance digital connectivity and bridge the digital divide in the region.

The local Baldwin community now has access to over 266,000 feet of high-speed fiber optic cable bringing lightning-fast internet speeds to their homes and businesses.

The Baldwin County project has been generously funded through a combination of more than $920,000 from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF), and a county match of $151,000. To complete the project, Kinetic invested $817,000 of its own funds to bolster Baldwin County’s digital infrastructure and ensure that residents have access to reliable, fast internet services. Kinetic, the State of Georgia, and 25 counties have partnered to invest over $354 million in Georgia broadband infrastructure development since the U.S. Department of Treasury’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law in 2021.

“This project was a success due to the support of Sen. Rick Williams, Rep. Mac Jackson, former Rep. Kenneth Vance, the Baldwin County Commissioners, County Manager Carlos Tobar, and Kinetic,” said Andrew Strickland, chairman of the Baldwin County Commission. “Our partnerships allow us to deliver for the people of east Baldwin County and expand our infrastructure. This is a win for our citizens and our country, and it is my expectation that we keep winning for you.”

The successful completion of this project not only promises to elevate the quality of life for Baldwin County residents but also positions the community for significant economic growth, enhanced educational opportunities, and improved access to telehealth services. By enabling access to high-speed internet, Baldwin County is paving the way for innovation and a stronger economy.

“We are proud to have been part of this transformative project that will have a lasting impact on the Lake Sinclair community. The expansion of high-speed fiber internet is more than just an infrastructure achievement; it’s about connecting people, creating opportunities, and fostering innovation,” said Sarah Baska, director of Broadband Program Operations, State Broadband Office, Georgia Technology Authority. “Our commitment to Baldwin County is unwavering, and we look forward to continuing to support the growth and prosperity of this community.”

Kinetic’s Baldwin County fiber project is part of a $2 billion multiyear investment strategy by Kinetic to dramatically expand multi-gigabit fiber service across the company’s 18-state footprint.

“Residents of eastern Baldwin County and Lake Sinclair can now benefit from Kinetic’s state-of-the-art fiber technology, offering unparalleled internet speeds that facilitate seamless streaming, gaming, and remote work capabilities,” said Michael Foor, president of Kinetic’s Georgia Operations. “As a fellow Georgian, I take pride in Kinetic’s role as a local company, employing community members to enhance the internet experience for others in our region.”

This project exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships and the positive impact they can have on communities. The collective efforts of state and local leaders, alongside Kinetic, highlight the importance of collaboration in achieving long-term goals and addressing the needs of underserved areas.

"Congratulations to the County Manager Carlos Tobar, the county commissioners and Windstream for applying for this grant,” said Rep. Floyd Griffin, Jr. “It is much needed in our community and I know it will help us with recruiting businesses to come to the community. I look forward to supporting the county to move us to the next level."

For more information about Kinetic’s high-speed multi-gig fiber internet, and future projects, visit GoKinetic.com.