Windstream Expands Metro Fiber Network in Richmond

Windstream (NASDAQ:WIN) says it has expanded its metro fiber-optic network footprint within the area around Richmond, VA. The expansion will support both fiber and fixed-wireless offerings to a greater number of local data centers and commercial buildings.

"Today's announcement reflects a significant investment that Windstream is making in the Richmond area, including Short Pump, Glen Allen, West Creek Parkway, Midlothian, and Mechanicsville," said Brian Norton, regional president of enterprise sales for Windstream's East region. "This project expands both our footprint and the Windstream services that are available to local customers – including fixed wireless service, unified communications, managed services, network security, business continuity, network solutions, and cloud services. All provided with the support of a truly local team."

Windstream says it can now offer Richmond-area companies direct connectivity to major markets across the country as well as a portfolio of enterprise-class data, voice, network, and cloud services.

"Communication and connectivity is a critical part of business today, and Windstream's expansion of its metro fiber network is great news for Richmond's business community because it allows the faster delivery of information to our users and customers," said Jeffrey Potter, chief technology officer at Richmond-based financial services firm Davenport & Company. "Windstream's investment will allow us to deliver richer content experiences and also improve our costs through competition with other providers. I'm excited to see next generation services like this begin to actualize in our community."

The Richmond expansion is part of a wider Windstream effort to build its metro network footprint. The company says it plans to add fiber in such markets as Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, and Nashville this year (see, for example, "Windstream finishes Charlotte metro fiber-optic network build").

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