Windstream, Bluewater Develop Diverse Path Between Toronto, Chicago

Windstream Wholesale has added a new, unique route to its portfolio with the help of regional Canadian provider Bluewater Regional Networks. The arrangement creates diverse infrastructure between the two key markets of Chicago and Toronto.

Bluewater Networks is based in southwestern Ontario, more specifically specifically in and around Sarnia — a town across the river from Port Huron, Michigan. Two years ago they put a new crossing into place presumably across the Blue Water Bridge, which connects the two cities over the St. Clair River.

Windstream is taking advantage of that infrastructure as well as its own existing fiber in the region to assemble a unique route across the border for their ICON network platform. After a successful expansion westward to the western US, Windstream has continued to find interesting longhaul projects to further enhance its footprint.

The company has long had a presence in Toronto and Montreal via infrastructure acquired in the PAETEC deal which originally derived from the likes of Intellifiber, Dominion Telecom and Telergy that went through the state of New York. But I believe this is the first time they’ve entered the country from Michigan, connecting up that presence with their Midwestern depth.

If you haven't already, please take our Reader Survey! Just 3 questions to help us better understand who is reading Telecom Ramblings so we can serve you better!

Categories: Fiber Networks