Lumos has added STL to its list of infrastructure partners as it continues to expand its consumer fiber broadband network.
STL has been strategically engaged in co-creating fiber and optical connectivity solutions suited for Lumos’s mega ambition to build fiber internet in the mid-Atlantic region.
The service provider’s growing fiber network, which spans multiple areas across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, provides fiber internet, whole-home Wi-Fi, voice, and streaming services to over 275,000 homes and businesses. Ultimately, Lumos plans to reach over one million passings with fiber service.
Enhancing installation efficiency
STL said it would support Lumos by offering advanced, purpose-engineered optical fiber cable designs to meet the provider’s network requirements.
As part of its agreement with Lumos, STL will supply its OPTO-BOLT product, a pre-connectorized drop cable designed to significantly reduce installation time by de-skilling field installation while bringing modularity into the network design.
OPTO-BOLT is a factory-terminated single fiber drop cable. STL said these cables can reduce the cable installation time required for subscriber connection, thereby reducing the total connection cost.
“In building out our large scale 100% fiber optic network, reliable partners with the latest fiber technology, local presence, and fast delivery are paramount,” said David Smith, Chief Network Officer at Lumos. “I believe STL will be a great partner to help us deliver world-class, seamless fiber connectivity to our customers.”
STL bulks up U.S. presence
This agreement is also crucial for STL, a company that has been expanding its presence in the U.S. market at a time when service providers are gearing up to bid for Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding.
STL launched its manufacturing facility in Lugoff, South Carolina, at The Palmetto Plant in September. Named after the state tree of South Carolina, this facility, also designated as STL’s North American Headquarters, symbolizes STL’s commitment to the US market.
The Palmetto Plant, spanning over 168,000 sq. ft, will specialize in future-ready optical solutions, including high fiber count cables with smaller diameters. This facility will also extend to new designs, notably high-capacity ribbonized cables and ruggedized designs for rural broadband deployments.
STL has also made inroads with other service providers like Windstream. Windstream enhanced its partnership with STL to advance its fiber expansion projects in its wholesale and Kinetic broadband divisions.
STL is one of several fiber vendors that’s moved manufacturing to the U.S.
Vecima recently announced a partnership with Mara Technologies to manufacture its SF-4X Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) in Michigan. Also, AFL, CommScope, Corning and Nokia have unveiled expanded manufacturing plans in 2023 focused on broadband initiatives.
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