At WIN, we talk a lot about our 20,000+ mile fiber network—and for good reason. It’s the foundation of the reliable connectivity we provide across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Michigan.
But there’s another side to this story we don’t talk about as often: the land we build on.
We’re not only proud of what we deliver, we’re equally proud of how we deliver it. As we continue to grow our network, we know the choices we make during construction have lasting impacts on the land, water, and communities around us.
Here are four ways we prioritize sustainability in every fiber build:
1. Planning with the Environment in Mind
Every fiber build starts long before we break ground. While our pathways always follow public right-of-way and easement corridors, we still take time to understand the landscape. That includes evaluating terrain, vegetation, natural and manicured lots, and rock outcroppings to get a sense of above and below ground conditions.
To help reduce disruptions, we look for:
- Joint trench opportunities: These minimize the need for multiple digs by coordinating with other utilities
- Dark duct and duct overrides: These are empty conduits that have been added underground for future use
- FuturePath systems: These are bundled microducts that allow additional fiber to be added later without further excavation
2. Minimizing Our Footprint During Construction
When it’s time to install fiber, we focus on methods that reduce disturbance to the land as much as possible.
For example, when crossing over existing utilities, we dig only small access pits. In environmentally sensitive areas near streams or wetlands, directional boring lets us install fiber underground without disturbing banks, streambeds or trees. In urban areas, we choose the least disruptive method (plowing or boring or trenching) based on what’s already underground.
If sensitive environments can’t be avoided, we follow all permitting requirements to limit our impact on sensitive species, habitats, and culturally significant sites.
After construction, our contractors are required to restore each site to its original—or better—condition.
3. Building for Tomorrow
Our fiber projects are also designed with the future in mind.
We install additional fiber capacity during construction, so we won’t need to dig again as demand grows. That means communities, businesses, and partner carriers can benefit from future expansion without additional disruption to the land.
4. Reducing Waste Through Equipment Recycling
We also take care to responsibly manage the equipment that supports our network.
Through our electronic recycling program, we properly dispose of or repurpose outdated hardware—keeping unnecessary waste out of landfills and supporting a circular approach to technology.
A Network That Supports Sustainability
Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond construction. Fiber internet is a key enabler of technology that improves efficiency and reduces waste. Industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture rely on high-speed connectivity to:
• Monitor energy usage and reduce emissions
• Automate processes for better precision and less waste
• Use data to conserve water, fuel, and other resources
From robotics in industrial settings to precision planting in the field, fiber enables these smarter, more sustainable innovations.
Resilient by Design
Sustainability is only one part of the story. Resilience matters too.
Our network is built to handle the realities of Midwest weather including high winds and severe storms. By placing fiber underground, we avoid many of the risks that come with aerial lines—like damage from trees or lightning.
We’ve designed our middle mile infrastructure with built-in diversity and redundancy to keep your service running, even when unexpected disruptions occur. Additionally, our Network Operations Center monitors the system 24/7, so we can proactively address issues before they affect our customers.
Ready to Learn More?
At WIN, we take pride in building a fiber network that’s fast, resilient, and installed with care. It’s part of our commitment to doing the right thing for our customers and community.
Want to learn more about how our network is built to serve your business? Connect with a WIN specialist today.