Cornelia, Ga. — Kinetic by Windstream, a long-trusted community partner for entertainment and internet services, spent six weeks this fall on tour of north Georgia making personal announcements to towns about upgrades to their cable broadband services. Network upgrades have made GIG speeds possible to more than 70,000 residents in towns from Helen to Young Harris. 

At town square gazebos, city parks and retail store fronts, Kinetic executives have been joined by mayors, county managers, economic development officials as well as state elected officials and federal delegation reps. The depth and breadth of dignitaries who showed up for the announcements indicates the importance of broadband both to families during a time of remote work and virtual school, but also long-term economic development prospects. 

“Access to high-speed broadband internet is critical to bridge the digital divide in our rural communities,” U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) said in a statement. “At a time when Georgians are relying on the internet for work, school, access to health care and to stay connected with loved ones, it is essential that we continue to expand broadband throughout the state. I applaud Windstream for making this important investment to help over 70,000 households in rural Georgia access high-speed broadband.” 

Gig speed allows customers to use multiple devices at the same time without a lag in speed or losing connection. The upgrades mean Kinetic meets the demand for seamless voice, video, gaming and ultra-high definition TV service. The service has been highly anticipated by residents in the area. 

“Fast, reliable fast internet is critical to stay connected to what’s important,” said Berkshire. “In a year with more families working remotely, attending school virtually and depending on video calls to keep connected with loved ones, we are pleased to make sure our customers have what they need delivered to their door.” 

State Senator Steve Gooch added, “Access to internet service is paramount to a growing community for economic development and educational excellence.  As the State Senator of District 51, I have spent the past 4 years working to help expand rural broadband throughout Georgia.  I applaud J. Berkshire and the entire Windstream organization for their steady progress in upgrading their infrastructure.  The investment they are making is going to have a significant impact on our region for decades to come.” 

Cities where Kinetic made stops include: Big Canoe, Dawsonville, Dahlonega, Helen, Cleveland, Clarkesville, Demorest, Mt. Airy, Baldwin, Cornelia, Jefferson, Commerce, Blairsville, Young Harris, Hiawassee, Irwinton and Hayesville, North Carolina. 

For more information about products and services available in your area, visit any of the retail stores in Blairsville, Commerce, Cornelia, Dahlonega, Dalton, Douglas, Milledgeville and Moultrie or windstream.com.