STL partners with Windstream to support large-scale fiber expansion projects

Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), a key player in the optical and digital solutions arena, has announced its partnership with Windstream, a privately-owned communications and software company, to aid in the latter’s expansive fiber construction projects.

Windstream Wholesale, an innovator in optical technology, is currently undertaking several projects, including an extension of its existing route from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Memphis, Tennessee; a new fiber build from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida, and another project from New York City to Montreal.

As part of Windstream’s Kinetic business, the company is investing $2 billion to significantly expand gigabit internet services across its 18-state territory, aiming to enhance internet experiences for homes, businesses, and carrier partners throughout America. The partnership between STL and Windstream commenced in February 2021, when the former started providing Optical Networking Solutions to Windstream.

Building on this collaboration, STL has broadened its product offerings to include advanced optical designs such as high-fiber count Intelligently Bonded Ribbon and Flat ribbon, along with loose tube optical cables. These products aim to facilitate a faster rollout, superior network longevity, and high scalability, which perfectly fits Windstream Wholesale’s needs for metro and long-haul optical networks. The networks currently offer up to 400G wave services to its customers and are expected to support 800G transmission in the future.

Jeff Small — President of Kinetic by Windstream said: “STL and Windstream are extremely well positioned to take advantage of future market opportunities such as the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

“Kinetic is committed to bringing the fastest, most reliable internet service to residents in under-connected communities using the best construction materials manufactured here in America.”

The BEAD Program and other federal infrastructure projects in the U.S. require domestic manufacturing for fiber optic cable and related equipment. To meet these requirements, STL has established a state-of-the-art, Industry 4.0-certified manufacturing facility in South Carolina. This facility will produce “Made in America” optical solutions for Windstream and other service providers. By flexing its global supply chain and pursuing this onshoring effort, STL commits to producing compliant materials with shorter-than-average market lead times.

Paul Atkinson — STL Optical Networking Business CEO said: “We think of our customers first. 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. I am very excited to work ever more closely with Windstream and collectively create value for communities and businesses in the US.”