The pandemic changed everything: the way we work, teach, learn, attend conferences, shop and entertain ourselves. If we managed to avoid the virus, it even changed how we consult with our healthcare providers. “In person” became “online” for many of our everyday activities, putting a big strain on the world’s broadband networks. That the current network has been able to absorb all the extra traffic is miraculous, although the bulk of additional video calls, classes and other communications occurred during the day, which lessened the impact.

Everstream will launch fiber cable deployments in seven Midwest markets to support 5G mobile network requirements. The company says the 1,047 route miles of fiber networks will help to connect more than 2,000 macro cell towers in those markets and offer backhaul support.