Kannapolis Now a ‘Gig-Ready’ Community from Kinetic’s Fiber-Optic Network Expansion
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.
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.
Key Figures
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | 24h Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 18 | Dark fiber expansion | Positive | -2.3% | New dark fiber and colocation agreements plus metro builds across key markets. |
| May 13 | Texas fiber builds | Positive | +0.7% | Q1 broadband expansion adding 9,000 Texas homes to multi-gig fiber. |
| May 13 | Kentucky fiber builds | Positive | +0.7% | 12,600 new fiber locations across 70+ Kentucky communities. |
| May 13 | North Carolina builds | Positive | +0.7% | 7,800 additional North Carolina homes gaining multi-gig fiber access. |
| May 13 | Georgia fiber builds | Positive | +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.
Recent Kinetic fiber expansion headlines have generally seen modest positive price alignment, with one notable divergence on dark fiber/colocation news.
Over the past weeks, UNIT news has focused on expanding Kinetic’s multi-gig fiber footprint across Texas, Kentucky, North Carolina and Georgia, plus new dark fiber and colocation builds in Jackson, Birmingham and Tulsa. These updates highlight a strategy centered on scaling fiber strand miles, homes passed and colocation capacity. Most expansion releases around May 13, 2026 coincided with small share gains, while the May 18 dark fiber/colocation announcement saw a mild decline, showing occasional divergence between infrastructure wins and near-term trading.
Key Terms
fiber-optic technical
multi-gig technical
telehealth medical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
- 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
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
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 growth10% 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
