Kentucky Benefits from 12,600 New Kinetic Fiber Builds

Kinetic (NYSE:UNIT) expanded its multi-gig fiber network in Kentucky in Q1 2026, adding 12,600 new fiber locations across 70+ communities.

Rhea-AI Summary

Kinetic (NYSE:UNIT) expanded its multi-gig fiber network in Kentucky in Q1 2026, adding 12,600 new fiber locations across 70+ communities. More than 280,000 locations in the state now have access. Kinetic reports 99.95% network reliability and offers Wi‑Fi 7, whole-home setup, and business-ready internet.

The company has about 11.5 million fiber strand miles and 1.9 million homes passed across 18 states, with an expectation to reach 3.5 million homes and businesses by 2029.

Positive

• Q1 2026 Kentucky build adds 12,600 fiber locations in 70+ communities
• More than 280,000 Kentucky locations now have Kinetic fiber access
• Network reliability reported at 99.95%
• Approximately 11.5 million fiber strand miles across 18-state footprint
• Approximately 1.9 million homes passed, targeting 3.5 million by 2029
• Recognition as CNET’s Best Rural Fiber Internet Provider in 2026

Negative

• None.

Argus May 13 session

+0.71% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – UNIT

On May 13, the day this news came out, UNIT closed 0.71% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the May 13 session.

Key Figures

New fiber builds Q1 2026: 12,600 homes Kentucky communities added: 70+ communities Locations with access: 280,000+ locations +5 more

New fiber builds Q1 2026

12,600 homes

Additional Kinetic multi-gig fiber locations in Kentucky Q1 2026

Kentucky communities added

70+ communities

Scope of Kinetic’s Q1 2026 expansion in Kentucky

Locations with access

280,000+ locations

Total Kentucky locations with Kinetic high-speed connectivity to date

Network reliability

99.95%

Stated reliability of Kinetic’s fiber network

Fiber strand miles

11.5 million

Kinetic fiber strand miles across its 18-state footprint

Homes passed

1.9 million homes

Homes passed by Kinetic fiber to date

Future reach target

3.5 million homes and businesses

Expected Kinetic network reach by 2029

Energy efficiency

up to 95% less energy per gigabit

Reported energy use advantage of fiber vs. alternatives

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 12

5 events

1. May 12

   Wholesale product update

   24h Move

   -1.3%

   Early traction for FastWaves™ wavelength program with 400G circuit wins.

2. May 11

   Quarterly earnings

   24h Move

   +0.8%

   Reported Q1 2026 results and reiterated full-year 2026 revenue and EBITDA outlook.

3. May 06

   Conference participation

   24h Move

   -1.9%

   Announced participation by senior leaders at multiple May investor conferences.

4. Apr 30

   Product partnership

   24h Move

   +5.5%

   Launched YouTube TV bundle across Kinetic’s 18-state fiber footprint.

5. Apr 28

   Employer recognition

   24h Move

   -2.6%

   Named a 5 Star Employer by VETS Indexes for veteran support efforts.

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

Key Terms

multi-gig fiber internet, fiber-optic network, wi-fi 7, voip

4 terms

multi-gig fiber internet technical

"delivering multi-gig fiber internet to 12,600 additional homes"

Multi-gig fiber internet is high-capacity broadband delivered over glass fiber cables that can carry multiple gigabits of data per second—several times faster than typical home connections—using pulses of light rather than copper wires. For investors it signals demand for upgraded network infrastructure and higher revenue per customer, like widening a highway to reduce congestion: it supports future services, raises the value of fiber networks, and affects capital spending, competition and long-term growth prospects.

fiber-optic network technical

"rapidly expanding our fiber-optic network, reaching farther and moving 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.

wi-fi 7 technical

"More Kentucky residents and businesses now have access to: Wi-Fi 7 – The newest, most advanced"

Wi‑Fi 7 is the next generation of wireless networking technology that delivers much faster speeds, lower delay, and the ability to handle many more devices at once—think of it as a wider, smoother highway for internet traffic. It matters to investors because upgrades to phones, routers, smart-home gear, and business networks can drive hardware sales, service subscriptions, and demand for data-center or semiconductor capacity, affecting companies across the tech supply chain.

voip technical

"Signal for reliable VoIP, households and businesses receive a unified high-performance"

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that carries phone calls and other voice services over the internet instead of traditional telephone lines. Like switching from a landline to a streaming service for music, it can cut costs, add features and scale quickly, which matters to investors because it affects a company’s expenses, recurring revenue potential, growth prospects and exposure to network reliability or cybersecurity risks.

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

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Rapid Q1 2026 expansion benefits communities and customers by enabling remote work, gaming, streaming, agriculture and telehealth

LEXINGTON, Ky., May 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kinetic today announced a major broadband expansion in Kentucky, delivering multi-gig fiber internet to 12,600 additional homes across more than 70 communities in the first quarter of 2026. The expansion highlights Kinetic’s commitment to delivering better technology, at a better value for customers.

Kentucky is currently investing in innovative companies to support tech and economic growth. Kinetic’s fiber network, with 99.95% reliability, can help support this growth, as well as enhance work, school, streaming, and everyday life for residents.

“I love the fast internet and how I’m able to connect [to my] classes with WiFi,” said Raul Medina, a Kinetic customer in Lexington.

In the first quarter of 2026, Kinetic added fiber locations in Lexington, Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Hazard, Vanceburg, Barbourville, Mount Vernon, Shepherdsville, Mount Vernon, and more.

To date, more than 280,000 locations across the Bluegrass State have access to Kinetic’s high-speed, next-generation connectivity.

Research shows that fiber-connected communities experience 213% higher business growth, 10% higher self-employment and a 14-17% increase in home values. Fiber is also significantly more sustainable and uses up to 95% less energy per gigabit. It requires less maintenance over time, which reduces environmental impacts and community disruptions. 

“Fiber is the future, and it’s opening the door for new opportunities and economic growth. Much of our daily lives happens online now, and we’re focused on ensuring more communities have access to the reliable, high-speed connectivity they need to thrive,” said Susan Schraibman, Kinetic’s state operations president. “We’re committed to building a future-proof infrastructure to help more residents, business owners, students and families stay connected and prepared both now and for many years to come.”

Kinetic fiber customers can benefit from seamless 4K+ streaming across multiple devices with no data caps and no usage charges. Multi-gigabit connections support remote work, online learning and low-latency gaming and, through partnerships with YouTube TV, AT&T for cellular bundles, and Signal for reliable VoIP, households and businesses receive a unified high-performance connectivity experience. 
 
More Kentucky residents and businesses now have access to: 

• Wi-Fi 7 – The newest, most advanced secure connection with equipment from manufacturers like eero, an Amazon company. Wi-Fi 7 delivers faster speeds and lower latency and supports up to 200+ connected devices at the same time, creating a better internet experience with wall-to-wall coverage and less tech stress. 
• Whole-Home Wi-Fi Set-Up – Professional new fiber installs coupled with the Kinetic Promise™, which is a pledge that technicians will not leave the home until Wi-Fi works in every area and on every device where needed.  
• Business Ready Internet – A unified fiber connectivity service for small businesses that offers up to 1 Gig speeds with integrated security and managed Wi-Fi to keep daily operations efficient and secure. 
  
  

Kinetic, which was named CNET’s Best Rural Fiber Internet Provider in 2026, will continue expanding its future-proof fiber network in Kentucky in 2026. With approximately 11.5 million fiber strand miles and approximately 1.9 million homes passed to date across its 18-state footprint, Kinetic’s network is expected to reach 3.5 million homes and businesses by 2029.

“We're investing in communities and rapidly expanding our fiber-optic network, reaching farther and moving faster. It’s our goal to deliver connectivity to better support residents, business owners, families, and students in their everyday lives,” said Schraibman.

Residents interested in Kinetic Fiber Internet can check service availability and construction updates at www.gokinetic.com or call 1- 877-90-FIBER (877-903-4237)

About Kinetic: Kinetic, a business unit of Uniti (NASDAQ: UNIT), 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.  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and management’s current expectations with respect to the future, involve certain risks and uncertainties, and are not guarantees. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the strategic expansion of the Kinetic fiber network. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “would,” “predicts” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Uniti may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Future results may differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that Uniti makes. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, that could cause events and results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the merger of Uniti and Windstream; competition and overbuilding in consumer service areas and general competition in business markets; risks related to the Company’s indebtedness, which could reduce funds available for business purposes and operational flexibility; rapid changes in technology, which could affect its ability to compete; risks relating to information technology system failures, network disruptions, and failure to protect, loss of, or unauthorized access to, or release of, data; risks related to various forms of regulation from the Federal Communications Commission, state regulatory commissions and other government entities and effects of unfavorable legal proceedings, government investigations, and complex and changing laws; risks inherent in the communications industry and associated with general economic conditions; and additional risks set forth in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of the Company’s most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as well as the Company’s predecessor’s registration statement on Form S-4 dated February 12, 2025. The discussion of such risks is not an indication that any such risks have occurred at the time of this filing. Uniti does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

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

99.9% Network Reliability: Kinetic Network Reliability based on monthly service availability scores from March 2023 to March 2024 as measured by the Kinetic Network Operations Center using the formula Available Customer Hours divided by Total Customer Hours (Available Customer Hours plus Customer Outage Hours). Customer Outage Hours does not include planned maintenance, emergency events (hurricanes, winter storms, mass flooding, etc.). 

Kinetic Promise™ relies on reasonable effort to confirm Wi-Fi works in living spaces where customer grants technician access. Wi-Fi coverage & performance vary by layout, building materials, interference, & device capability. Not a guarantee of uniform coverage, speed, or error-free service. Add. equipment or wiring may be required & incur charges; certain areas/devices (e.g., detached structures or outdoor spaces) may be excluded. Customer may cancel any time.

FAQ

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

What did Kinetic (NYSE:UNIT) announce about its Kentucky fiber expansion for Q1 2026?

Kinetic announced it added 12,600 new multi-gig fiber locations across more than 70 Kentucky communities in Q1 2026. According to Kinetic, this brings fiber access to over 280,000 locations statewide, supporting remote work, streaming, gaming, agriculture, and telehealth.

How many Kentucky homes and locations have access to Kinetic (UNIT) fiber internet?

More than 280,000 locations in Kentucky now have access to Kinetic fiber. According to Kinetic, the Q1 2026 build of 12,600 new locations extends coverage in cities like Lexington, Elizabethtown, Glasgow, Hazard, Vanceburg, Barbourville, Mount Vernon, and Shepherdsville.

What network performance and features does Kinetic (UNIT) highlight for its Kentucky fiber service?

Kinetic reports 99.95% network reliability and multi-gig fiber speeds for Kentucky customers. According to Kinetic, offerings include Wi‑Fi 7 equipment, whole-home Wi‑Fi setup backed by the Kinetic Promise, no data caps, and business-ready internet with integrated security and managed Wi‑Fi.

How large is the Kinetic (UNIT) fiber network and what are its 2029 expansion goals?

Kinetic reports about 11.5 million fiber strand miles and 1.9 million homes passed across its 18-state footprint. According to Kinetic, the fiber network is expected to reach 3.5 million homes and businesses by 2029, including further Kentucky expansion.

What advanced Wi-Fi options does Kinetic (UNIT) offer with its Kentucky fiber builds?

Kinetic offers Wi‑Fi 7 and whole-home Wi‑Fi setup with its Kentucky fiber service. According to Kinetic, Wi‑Fi 7 equipment from manufacturers like eero supports faster speeds, lower latency, and up to 200+ connected devices, while technicians ensure coverage in all required rooms.

How can Kentucky residents check availability of Kinetic (UNIT) fiber internet and construction updates?

Kentucky residents can check Kinetic fiber availability and construction updates online or by phone. According to Kinetic, information is available at www.gokinetic.com and by calling 1‑877‑90‑FIBER (877‑903‑4237), helping households and businesses see when multi-gig fiber reaches their address.