We’ve discussed the relative quiet regarding Windstream and stimulus projects, considering they were one of the biggest winners of the $7.2 billion broadband stimulus program, taking in over $181 million in awards. That relatively slow momentum may be beginning to shift as Windstream announces their second stimulus project construction start, this time in Georgia.
The project is in Young Harris and is funded by the $16.7 million Windstream received for stimulus work in the state of Georgia. Windstream intends to kick in an additional $5.6 million in the state.
The Young Harris project will upgrade Windstream’s existing network, including 12 miles of fiber and electronics. The project will reach 280 potential customers, offering DSL powered broadband of up to 6 Mbps. They expect to complete the project in September, with service available in October. Other Georgia broadband stimulus projects are planned for Blairsville and Hiawassee later in the year.
I suspect we’ll see accelerated momentum from Windstream on broadband stimulus projects soon. Given the amount of funding they received, the three year window the program has for construction completion, and the relatively slow start thus far, Windstream has a lot of broadband building to do.
