Lightower to expand fiber-optic network here

Lightower Fiber Networks will install 40 miles of new fiber-optic cable in the next year and connect more than 30 new buildings to its network that runs from the Loop to the suburbs.

Chief executive Rob Shanahan says the project will cost tens of millions of dollars.

Lightower said cities and key points in the network expansion include downtown Chicago, Oak Brook, Elk Grove Village, and Franklin Park.

John Peltz at Crain’s Chicago Business writes it is one of the first significant fiber buildouts in more than a decade.