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

Kinetic (NYSE:UNIT) announced Kannapolis, North Carolina is now a Kinetic “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 Kannapolis, North Carolina is now a Kinetic “Gig-Ready Community”, with more than 75% of homes able to access its multi-gig, next-generation fiber internet. Over 19,000 locations can now use higher-speed connectivity supporting work, education, streaming and telehealth.

Kinetic highlighted research linking fiber connectivity to higher business growth, self-employment and home values, and noted it was recognized for the “most responsive internet speeds” in Kannapolis, 45% faster than Spectrum, and CNET’s “2026 Best Rural Fiber Provider.”

Positive

• More than 75% of Kannapolis homes now have access to Kinetic fiber internet
• Over 19,000 locations in Kannapolis can use multi-gig, next-generation internet
• Named “most responsive internet speeds” in Kannapolis, 45% faster than Spectrum
• Recognition as CNET’s “2026 Best Rural Fiber Provider”
• Ongoing fiber network expansion across North Carolina, adding thousands of new connections

Negative

• None.

Argus May 20 session

+2.62% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – UNIT

On May 20, the day this news came out, UNIT closed 2.62% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the May 20 session.

Key Figures

Homes with access: More than 75% Locations benefited: 19,000 homes Business growth uplift: 213% higher +4 more

Homes with access

More than 75%

Share of Kannapolis homes with Kinetic multi-gig internet

Locations benefited

19,000 homes

Kannapolis homes with access to Kinetic’s future-proof internet

Business growth uplift

213% higher

Business growth in fiber-connected communities per cited research

Self-employment uplift

10% higher

Self-employment in fiber-connected communities per cited research

Home value increase

14–17%

Increase in home values in fiber-connected communities per research

Speed advantage

45% more responsive

Kinetic internet responsiveness vs. Spectrum in Kannapolis

Gig-Ready coverage

More than 75%

Threshold for Kannapolis ‘Gig-Ready Community’ designation

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 18

5 events

1. May 18

   Dark fiber expansion

   24h Move

   -2.3%

   New dark fiber and colocation agreements plus metro builds across key markets.

2. May 13

   Texas fiber builds

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   Q1 broadband expansion adding 9,000 Texas homes to multi-gig fiber.

3. May 13

   Kentucky fiber builds

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   12,600 new fiber locations across 70+ Kentucky communities.

4. May 13

   North Carolina builds

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   7,800 additional North Carolina homes gaining multi-gig fiber access.

5. May 13

   Georgia fiber builds

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   20,000+ new Georgia homes and businesses added to multi-gig network.

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

Key Terms

fiber-optic, multi-gig, telehealth

3 terms

fiber-optic technical

"Kinetic’s Fiber-Optic Network Expansion"

Fiber-optic describes cables and systems that send information as pulses of light through very thin strands of glass or plastic, rather than as electrical signals through metal wires. For investors it matters because fiber-optic networks support much higher speeds, longer distances and lower delay—like replacing a slow dirt road with a high-speed highway—so companies that build, own or use fiber can gain cost advantages, enable new services and generate steadier cash flows.

multi-gig technical

"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

"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.

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
• 19,000 locations benefit from better internet experience supporting economic growth, telehealth, work, streaming
  
  

KANNAPOLIS, N.C., May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinetic, a leading residential and business fiber internet provider, announced today that Kannapolis 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.

“We are very happy and pleased with our service. The [Kinetic] technicians who did our install were amazing and very knowledgeable. We highly recommend Kinetic’s services to anyone. So much better than our last services ever was,” said Kimberly Zeback, a Kinetic customer in Kannapolis.

More than 19,000 homes in Kannapolis have access to Kinetic’s future-proof internet to better support work, education, streaming, and telehealth. A portion of these locations were supported by funds awarded to the State of North Carolina by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Kinetic was also recently awarded as having the “most responsive internet speeds” in Kannapolis, besting Spectrum by 45%.*

Kinetic’s continued investment in Kannapolis’ 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
  
  

“Our everyday lives are becoming increasingly digital, and high-speed connectivity is crucial to completing everyday tasks and unlocking new opportunities,” said Stacy Hale, Kinetic’s state operations president. “As a Gig-Ready Community, a majority of Kannapolis residents now have the opportunity to internet better with faster speeds, more reliability, and enhanced service.”

Kinetic has been a long-term partner to Kannapolis and many other communities across North Carolina. 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 Tar Heel 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. 

*Based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data, Kannapolis, NC 2H 2025. All rights reserved.

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 milestone mean for Kannapolis and UNIT shareholders?

The Gig-Ready designation means over 75% of Kannapolis homes can access Kinetic fiber. According to Kinetic, this expanded coverage supports remote work, streaming, education and telehealth, potentially strengthening customer growth and network utilization for the broader Kinetic (NYSE:UNIT) platform.

How many Kannapolis homes now have access to Kinetic fiber internet (NYSE:UNIT)?

More than 19,000 homes in Kannapolis now have access to Kinetic fiber internet. According to Kinetic, this coverage enables multi-gig speeds and a more reliable connection for everyday online activities, including work-from-home, virtual learning, entertainment and telehealth services.

How does Kinetic’s internet performance in Kannapolis compare to Spectrum?

Kinetic was recently awarded for having the most responsive internet speeds in Kannapolis. According to Kinetic, its responsiveness bested Spectrum by 45%, highlighting performance advantages that may influence customer choice and support subscriber gains in this competitive local broadband market.

What are the potential community benefits of Kinetic’s fiber build in Kannapolis?

Fiber connectivity can support higher business growth, self-employment and home values. According to Kinetic, research indicates fiber-connected communities may see 213% higher business growth, 10% higher self-employment, and a 14–17% increase in home values over time.

How is Kinetic (NYSE:UNIT) expanding its fiber network across North Carolina?

Kinetic continues to expand its fiber network throughout North Carolina beyond Kannapolis. According to Kinetic, the company is building connections to thousands more homes, businesses and apartments statewide, supported in part by state funding from U.S. Department of the Treasury awards.

What recent awards has Kinetic received for its fiber internet services?

Kinetic earned recognition as CNET’s 2026 Best Rural Fiber Provider and for Kannapolis’ most responsive internet speeds. According to Kinetic, these awards reflect performance and reliability achievements that may enhance brand perception and support marketing efforts in existing and new markets.

How can Kannapolis residents check availability of Kinetic fiber internet?

Residents can check Kinetic fiber availability or construction updates by phone or online. According to Kinetic, customers may call 1-877-90-FIBER (877-903-4237) or visit www.gokinetic.com to confirm service options and sign up for multi-gig, next-generation internet plans.