Paris – September 30, 2026 -- Bluebird Fiber has signed a multi-year agreement with Ekinops to deploy carrier-grade optical networking equipment across its Midwest fiber backbone, enabling 100G to 400G wavelength services to meet rising hyperscale and wholesale data center demand.
Bluebird Fiber operates 36,000 route miles across twelve states
The infrastructure provider connects more than 450 Points-of-Presence and over 750,000 on-net and near-net buildings in the U.S. Midwest. The new agreement expands an existing relationship, making Ekinops a strategic technology partner for Bluebird's ongoing network upgrade and expansion program.
Coherent DWDM technology will lift core backbone capacity
Bluebird will deploy Ekinops' latest-generation coherent DWDM optical networking systems to increase flexibility and unlock 100G-400G services across its footprint. The upgrade is designed to deliver high-capacity, low-latency dedicated wave services on diverse paths throughout the region, directly targeting growth in data center and hyperscale traffic.
Partnership extends to enterprise networking solutions
Beyond optical transport, the deal covers deployment of Ekinops' Enterprise Networking solutions to support Bluebird's long-term growth strategy. Joe Meyer, COO at Bluebird Fiber, said Ekinops' approach gives the company flexibility to scale its network as demand grows, helping it expand capacity faster for current and future customers.
Kevin Antill, Chief Revenue Officer, North America at Ekinops, said the expanded partnership validates the company's commitment to delivering solutions to specific markets. Ekinops publishes its press releases after Euronext Paris market close, where the company is listed.