Fiber-optic expansion in Greenfield over halfway finished

The internet provider Kinetic, formerly known as Windstream, is in the second half of work that will bring a new fiber-optic network to almost all of Greenfield.

A ceremonial groundbreaking for the project was Monday, May 19 in the Greenfield City Park.

The event included remarks from Greenfield Mayor Jimmie Schultz, Iowa State Rep. Ray “Bubba” Sorensen, Greenfield Chamber Main Street Executive Director Stacie Eshelman and Kinetic officials.

Work is now focused on the north half of town. The southern half was completed earlier, replacing copper infrastructure destroyed by the tornado with fiber. The former phase was a $250,00 investment impacting 310 homes and businesses; the latter is a $400,000 investment impacting 610 more homes and businesses.

When complete, Kinetic’s project will include more than 19 miles of buried fiber covering the majority of town, providing 920 homes and businesses with access to high-speed connectivity.

Sorensen told the crowd that high-speed internet opens doors for remote work. It also enhances access to amenities like telehealth and more business and industry.

Kinetic Midwest President Patrick Brimberry added that he’s humbled by the strength and resilience Greenfield and Adair County has shown after last year’s tornado. He is excited Kinetic can make an investment like this where the company hopes its internet can be a strong economic development tool for the town in the future.

“As May 21 approaches, I truly can’t imagine the complexity of what you’re all feeling this week. You’re memorializing the past while building for the future,” Brimberry said. “We at Kinetic are thankful to be able to be a small part of a story that already is, and will continue to be, a beautiful one of unity, determination and courage in the face of disaster.”