Shantel
Key Takeaways
- STL (Sterlite Technologies Ltd) and Windstream deepen their partnership, planning large-scale fiber expansion projects in the US.
- This collaboration will help Windstream deliver top-tier customer experiences with faster rollouts, superior network longevity, and higher scalability.
- The $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program paves the way for opportunities in rural broadband.
- STL’s new state-of-the-art, Industry 4.0-certified manufacturing facility in South Carolina will produce ‘Made in America’ Optical solutions.
About STL and Windstream
Founded with a vision of “Transforming Billions of Lives by Connecting the World”, STL is an optical and digital solutions leader operating across four continents and serving over 100 countries. From Optical Connectivity to Digital and Technology solutions, STL has carved its niche in the telecommunications industry, becoming a trusted partner for telecom operators, cloud companies, and large enterprises worldwide.
Windstream is a privately-held communications and software company with a distinct reputation as an innovative optical technology leader. Whether it’s carriers, content and media providers, or federal government agencies, Windstream’s fast, flexible, and customized solutions have set it apart in the industry.
Unfurling a New Era in Fiber Connectivity
This partnership between STL and Windstream started in February 2021, when STL first began providing Optical Networking Solutions to Windstream. As this collaboration deepens, both companies have embarked on multiple large-scale fiber construction projects, promising a seamless, fast, and reliable connectivity experience for users.
“Buddy Bayer, President of Windstream Wholesale and Enterprise, said, “For us, it is a top priority to deliver the best reach and customer experience to our consumers, including the world’s largest hyperscalers. And we want to do it fast. Windstream sets the bar high in terms of technology and engineering, and we are confident that STL, with nearly 30 years of Optical expertise and global footprint, will ably support our connectivity ambitions. It’s a bonus that both companies are also equally committed to rural broadband.”
This deepening partnership will involve implementing advanced optical designs like high-fiber count Intelligently Bonded Ribbon and Flat ribbon, in addition to loose tube optical cables, promising faster rollouts, superior network longevity, and high scalability.
The Role of BEAD and Other Federal Infrastructure Projects
This partnership’s potential extends beyond providing high-quality, fast connectivity. It’s also expected to help close the connectivity gap in rural areas, aligning with initiatives like the $42 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
Jeff Small, President of Kinetic by Windstream, asserted, “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.”
Made in America’ Optical Solutions
A significant feature of this partnership is STL’s commitment to domestic manufacturing, key to meeting federal infrastructure project requirements. STL’s new state-of-the-art, Industry 4.0-certified manufacturing facility in South Carolina will produce ‘Made in America’ Optical solutions, thereby ensuring quicker market lead times and further supporting this partnership’s ambitious fiber expansion projects.
Paul Atkinson, CEO of STL’s Optical Networking Business, expressed his excitement, saying, “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.”
This collaboration between STL and Windstream brings promise for a brighter, more connected future. As technology advances and the demand for high-speed, reliable internet connectivity grows, this partnership will be instrumental in helping the US meet these challenges head-on.
