Metromedia Fiber Network Inc., New York City, has signed a deal with Unicom Thermal Technologies

Metromedia Fiber Network Inc., New York City, has signed a deal with Unicom Thermal Technologies Inc., Chicago, IL, acquiring infrastructure to extend a fiber-optic network into the downtown Chicago loop area. Through the agreement, Metromedia will be able to provide an intracity fiber-optic network to most office buildings and financial centers in the area. The company hopes to have completed the downtown loop and begun expansion into the surrounding area by year-end. The planned Chicago area network would encompass 50 route-mi and 21,600 fiber-mi and feature an advanced, self-healing sonet-ring architecture.