Hazard Now a ‘Gig-Ready’ Community from Kinetic’s Fiber-Optic Network Expansion

Kinetic (NYSE:UNIT) announced that Hazard, Kentucky is now a Gig-Ready Community, with more than 75% of homes able to access its multi-gig, next-generation fiber internet.

Rhea-AI Summary

Kinetic (NYSE:UNIT) announced that Hazard, Kentucky is now a Gig-Ready Community, with more than 75% of homes able to access its multi-gig, next-generation fiber internet.

Over 8,900 locations now benefit from faster, more reliable connectivity supporting work, education, streaming, telehealth and local economic growth.

Positive

• More than 75% of Hazard homes have access to Kinetic multi-gig fiber
• Over 8,900 Hazard locations now served by future-proof fiber internet
• Local fiber expansion supports work, education, streaming and telehealth usage
• Nationally recognized as CNET’s 2026 Best Rural Fiber Provider

Negative

• None.

Argus May 20 session

+2.62% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – UNIT

In the May 20 session, UNIT gained 2.62%, reflecting a moderate positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement underscores Kinetic’s strategy of deepening fiber penetration, with more than 75% ...

Analysis

This announcement underscores Kinetic’s strategy of deepening fiber penetration, with more than 75% of Hazard homes and 8,900 locations now able to access multi‑gig service. It extends a series of state‑level build‑outs seen in recent UNIT news, reinforcing a multi‑state fiber footprint. Investors may focus on how these localized milestones support broader revenue and cash flow trends discussed in recent SEC filings, alongside execution risk and ongoing integration efforts.

Key Figures

Homes with access: >75% of homes Locations served: 8,900 homes Business growth uplift: 213% +2 more

Homes with access

>75% of homes

Hazard, Kentucky homes with Kinetic multi-gig access

Locations served

8,900 homes

Hazard locations benefiting from Kinetic fiber

Business growth uplift

213%

Higher business growth in fiber-connected communities

Self-employment uplift

10%

Higher self-employment in fiber-connected communities

Home value increase

14–17%

Home value gains in fiber-connected communities

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 18

5 events

1. May 18

   Wholesale fiber expansion

   24h Move

   -2.3%

   New dark fiber, colocation, and metro builds for hyperscale and neo‑cloud users.

2. May 13

   Texas fiber builds

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   Added 9,000 multi‑gig fiber homes, expanding Texas broadband footprint.

3. May 13

   Kentucky fiber builds

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   Deployed 12,600 new fiber locations across more than 70 Kentucky communities.

4. May 13

   North Carolina builds

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   Extended multi‑gig service to 7,800 additional North Carolina homes.

5. May 13

   Georgia fiber builds

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   Brought multi‑gig fiber to 20,000+ Georgia homes and businesses.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

fiber-optic network, multi-gig, telehealth, fiber-connected communities

4 terms

fiber-optic network technical

"Kinetic’s continued investment in the community’s fiber-optic network is providing faster..."

A fiber-optic network is a system of thin glass or plastic strands that carry digital information as pulses of light, forming the high-speed backbone that connects data centers, businesses and homes. For investors, it matters because these networks enable faster, more reliable and higher-capacity services—like a broad, modern highway for data—so companies that own, build or rely on them can gain revenue growth, competitive advantage and predictable long-term demand while facing large upfront costs.

multi-gig technical

"More than 75% of homes now have access to Kinetic’s Multi-Gig, Next-Generation internet..."

A "multi-gig" refers to a project or task that generates a large amount of income, often in the millions of dollars. For investors, it signals significant potential value or opportunity, similar to a large, lucrative deal or contract that can greatly impact overall earnings or company growth. Recognizing multi-gigs helps investors gauge the scale and importance of a business or industry opportunity.

telehealth medical

"better internet experience supporting economic growth, telehealth, work, streaming..."

Telehealth is the delivery of healthcare services and consultations remotely using video calls, phone, text messaging, or connected devices to monitor and transmit medical information. It matters to investors because it can reshape how patients access care, lower costs, and create new revenue streams or risks for healthcare providers, insurers and technology companies—similar to how online banking changed financial services—while also exposing businesses to reimbursement and regulatory shifts.

fiber-connected communities technical

"According to research, fiber-connected communities see meaningful gains, including..."

Fiber-connected communities are towns or neighborhoods that have high-speed internet delivered via fiber-optic cables, which carry data as pulses of light for much faster and more reliable service than older copper lines. For investors, fiber connections can act like a modern infrastructure upgrade that attracts businesses, raises property values, and creates steady revenue opportunities for service providers, making such areas more economically resilient and competitive.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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• More than 75% of homes now have access to Kinetic’s Multi-Gig, Next-Generation internet
• 8,900 locations benefit from better internet experience supporting economic growth, telehealth, work, streaming

HAZARD, Ky., May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinetic, a leading residential and business fiber internet provider, announced today that Hazard is officially recognized as a Kinetic ‘Gig-Ready Community,’ meaning more than 75% of the homes in the community now have access to Kinetic’s high-speed, next generation internet.

This major technological milestone marks a significant advancement in the community’s digital infrastructure and provides many residents with better technology - at a better value - and an overall better internet experience to help enhance everyday life.

“I love the price, the service and how everything was so simple and easy. I’m glad I switched to Kinect,” said Jessica Wise, a Kinetic customer in Kentucky.

To date, more than 8,900 homes in Hazard have access to Kinetic’s future-proof internet to better support work, education, streaming and telehealth.

Kinetic’s continued investment in the community’s fiber-optic network is providing faster and more reliable connectivity that is essential for economic growth and opportunities. According to research, fiber-connected communities see meaningful gains, including:

• 213% higher business growth
• 10% higher self-employment
• 14-17% increase in home values
  
  

“High-speed connectivity is crucial to completing everyday tasks, participating in the digital economy, and unlocking new opportunities,” said Susan Schraibman, Kinetic’s state operations president. “As a Gig-Ready Community, a majority of Hazard residents now have the opportunity to do just that with better internet, faster speeds, more reliability, and enhanced service.”

Kinetic has been a long-term partner to Hazard and many other communities across Kentucky. The company’s continued local investment in the state builds on its national recognition for fiber performance and reliability. Kinetic was recently named CNET’s “2026 Best Rural Fiber Provider” and continues to expand its fiber network in the Bluegrass State, building connections to thousands more homes, businesses and apartments.

Residents who want to check fiber availability or construction updates can call 1- 877-90-FIBER (877-903-4237) or visit www.gokinetic.com.

About Kinetic: Named the 2026 Telecommunications Company of the Year (Stevie GOLD/American Business Awards), Kinetic is a business unit of Uniti (NASDAQ: UNIT), and is a premier insurgent provider of multi-gigabit fiber internet, whole-home Wi-Fi, internet security, and voice services in 1,400 markets across 18 states in the Southwestern, Southeastern, Midwestern, and Northeastern U.S. Additional information is available at gokinetic.com.

Media Contact:
Megan Krtek
uniti.kinetic.pr@uniti.com

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What does Kinetic’s Gig-Ready Community designation mean for Hazard, Kentucky (NYSE:UNIT)?

Hazard’s Gig-Ready Community status means over 75% of homes can access Kinetic’s multi-gig fiber internet. According to Kinetic, this enables faster, more reliable connectivity for work, education, streaming, telehealth and broader participation in the digital economy.

How many Hazard, Kentucky homes now have Kinetic fiber access under the UNIT network expansion?

More than 8,900 homes in Hazard now have access to Kinetic’s fiber internet. According to Kinetic, this future-proof connectivity is designed to improve everyday online activities and support local economic growth and digital opportunities.

How does Kinetic’s fiber expansion in Hazard (UNIT) support economic growth?

Kinetic links fiber connectivity with stronger economic performance in local communities. According to Kinetic, research shows fiber-connected areas can see 213% higher business growth, 10% higher self-employment and a 14–17% increase in home values over time.

What internet speeds and benefits does Kinetic offer in Gig-Ready Hazard, Kentucky?

Hazard residents can access Kinetic’s multi-gig, next-generation fiber internet service. According to Kinetic, the upgrade aims to deliver faster speeds, better reliability and enhanced service quality for telehealth, remote work, online learning and high-bandwidth streaming needs.

How can Hazard residents check Kinetic fiber availability or construction updates (UNIT)?

Residents can confirm Kinetic fiber availability or construction status by calling 1-877-90-FIBER (877-903-4237). According to Kinetic, availability details and ongoing build information are also accessible online through the company’s website at www.gokinetic.com.

Why is high-speed fiber internet important for Hazard, Kentucky homeowners and businesses?

High-speed fiber is presented as essential for daily online tasks and digital participation. According to Kinetic, better connectivity helps residents work remotely, use telehealth, stream content and potentially benefit from stronger business growth and higher property values.