Kinetic’s Innovative ‘Resi-Plow’ $2 Million Investment Reduces Fiber Construction Impact on Neighborhoods
09 Mayo 2024 - 8:30AM
Business Wire
- The ‘Resi-Plow’ method allows for low-impact fiber installation
in residential neighborhoods.
- Kinetic adopted this method in 2022, prioritizing high-quality,
customer-focused construction and recently secured 50 additional
plows totaling a $2 million investment.
- Kinetic's specialized team pioneers sustainable, time- and
resource-saving solutions, enhancing customer experiences by
minimizing disruption to daily routine and property.
- The team oversees innovation, from concept development to
patenting newly created products.
In a move aimed at reducing the impact on neighborhoods and
homeowners' landscapes, Kinetic has enhanced its fiber installation
quality through the acquisition of over 50 small drop plows
totaling an estimated $2 million investment.
This Residential Plow method addresses the challenge of
upgrading fiber optic availability in established neighborhoods,
particularly those with significant landscaping or those governed
by community associations. The “Resi-Plow” method was designed and
developed with these considerations in mind, ensuring that its
deployment leads to high levels of customer satisfaction with
minimal environmental impact.
“In the past, fiber optic cable installation methods have
typically required larger construction machines and materials, more
open trenches and more time,” said Mike Skudin, senior director of
Kinetic Construction Optimization. “Our Resi-Plow technology,
however, introduces fiber optic cable into the ground through an
incredibly small tube ‘micro-duct’– something about the size of a
crayon – significantly reducing the impact on established areas and
landscapes.”
Moreover, Resi-Plow facilitates quicker repairs, minimizing
customer downtime in case of fiber optic cable damage. This
efficiency translates into broader accessibility of fiber internet
within Kinetic’s service areas.
“Our product development involves collaboration across various
departments, optimizing efficiency while upholding environmental
responsibility,” said Rich Murtha, senior vice president of Outside
Plant Engineering and Construction. “This strategy ensures we
reduce our environmental impact without compromising on broadband
affordability.”
The Resi-Plow method represents Kinetic’s commitment to a
sustainable fiber internet future, ensuring minimal use of natural
resources, soil disturbance and more efficient installation and
repair processes, according to Skudin.
“Traditional cable and duct used within a subdivision can weigh
up to 400 pounds per 1,000 feet, whereas the miniaturized fiber
optic cable and micro-duct laid by our drop plows weighs just 40
pounds per 1,000 feet,” Skudin added. “The smaller material leads
to smaller transportation and construction vehicles and equipment.
This method exemplifies how Kinetic’s innovation efforts are
directed at improving efficiency for our customers and our
environment.”
This Resi-Plow initiative is spearheaded by Kinetic's
Construction Optimization Architecture Team (COAT), which is
leading the telecom industry in innovation. The COAT's
groundbreaking technologies, many of which are exclusive to
Kinetic, allow for the deployment of fiber in challenging
environments with minimal environmental disruption.
The COAT's endeavors significantly benefit Kinetic’s
communities, showcasing the company's dedication to customer
satisfaction. Through its ongoing innovation cycle, Kinetic
continues to strengthen its competitive advantage and uphold its
commitment to quality service from sign-up to start-up.
By harnessing the COAT's cutting-edge technologies and
methodologies, Kinetic not only improves internet connectivity
speeds but also profoundly benefits individuals in rural
communities across its broad 18-state network. This strategic
dedication to innovation and quality emphasizes Kinetic's pivotal
role in transforming telecommunications technology in remote
areas.
Kinetic's drive for innovation is rooted in a commitment to
delivering quality customer-experiences, and Kinetic believes that
by taking a customer-focused approach during construction, better
customer experiences are possible.
About Kinetic: Kinetic, a Windstream company, offers
fiber-based broadband to residential and small business customers
in 18 states. The company’s quality-first approach connects
customers to new opportunities and possibilities by delivering a
full suite of advanced communications services. Kinetic is one of
three brands managed by Windstream. The company also offers managed
cloud communications and security services to mid-to-large
enterprises and government entities across the U.S. as well as
customized wavelength and dark fiber solutions to carriers, content
providers and hyperscalers in the U.S. and Canada. Windstream is a
privately held company headquartered in Little Rock, Ark.
Additional information about Kinetic is available at GoKinetic.com
or windstream.com.
Category: Kinetic
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240508950309/en/
Victoria Carman, Victoria.carman@windstream.com