Windstream network expansion targets wireless backhaul

Independent telco Windstream apparently is getting serious about expanding opportunities in wireless backhaul, announcing this week that it will invest $20 million to enhance its fiber network to support its wholesale business to wireless carriers, and to support Ethernet and next-generation technologies for business customers.

As recent highly publicized traffic snarls on AT&T’s wireless network highlight reveal, wireless traffic is increasing dramatically, driven by the popularity of new higher-speed data offerings—and wireless carriers are turning to incumbent telcos such as Windstream and others to beef up their backhaul speeds. Increasingly those connections are based on Ethernet, which is more economical than traditional TDM circuits on a per-bit basis—a consideration that is critical, considering that wireless data services generate less per-bit revenue than voice services.

“Wireless carrier needs for more bandwidth are growing dramatically,” said James Taylor, Windstream director of wholesale business solutions said in a statement. “Our fiber-to-the-cell site program will allow for faster data speeds and enhance overall reliability.”

Windstream said the network expansion will support 3G and 4G wireless technology and will benefit customers across its 16-state territory.