Windstream is expanding its partnership with STL, as the operator ramps up its fiber deployments across the country.
STL, which has provided optical networking products to Windstream since 2021, will support the company’s fiber-to-the-home builds on the Kinetic network as well as its long-haul fiber routes for enterprises.
Specifically, Windstream plans to use STL’s Intelligently Bonded Ribbon fiber cable for future Kinetic builds. The Intelligently Bonded Ribbon is a cable that’s smaller in diameter than standard loose tube cables and can be spliced more effectively.
Windstream last year reached 300,000 new fiber passings and is aiming to hit a similar target by the end of 2023, Kinetic President Jeff Small told Fierce in March. The Kinetic network spans 18 different states, with Windstream undertaking subsidized projects in states like Georgia, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.
“Windstream sets the bar high in terms of technology and engineering, and we are confident that STL, with nearly 30 years of optical expertise, will ably support our connectivity ambitions,” said Windstream Wholesale President Buddy Bayer in a statement.
Aside from residential expansion, Windstream is tackling a long-haul fiber route from Raleigh to Jacksonville, Florida, and one from New York City to Montreal. It’s also extending its Tulsa-to-Little Rock, Arkansas route to Memphis.
As for STL, it recently launched its first U.S.-based fiber optics plant in Kershaw County, South Carolina – near the “southeastern heart” of Windstream’s footprint, according to the companies.
Paul Atkinson, CEO of STL’s optical networking business, told Fierce in May the new manufacturing facility intends to “create more specialized jobs in the region covering photonics, materials science and application engineering.”
Atkinson at the time tipped STL as partnering with a “top-rated cable and internet provider serving in Georgia” along with five other ISPs in the southeast U.S.
Commenting on Tuesday’s announcement, Atkinson stated, “Our goal is to partner and co-develop advanced and sustainable optical solutions with our key customers so that they can contribute to America’s broadband ambitions.”