Crosstown Fiber launches new data network company

LOMBARD - Crosstown Fiber LLC, a fiber optic infrastructure owner, operator and developer, made its formal debut Wednesday.

The company specializes in the custom development of fiber optic networks using existing underground pathways, primarily in Chicago.

The newly formed company is set to offer infrastructure that is secure and scalable, along with being 100% subsurface, providing unique routes and strategic alternative paths between data centers and customers, including school systems, large corporations, small cell wireless carriers, content providers and municipal and other government agencies, the company said.

Its system utilizes a redundant ring structure with a network route spanning approximately 400 route miles across Chicago. Crosstown custom designs, builds, leases and maintains high-bandwidth, dark fiber optic networks providing customers the ability to utilize this infrastructure without the bother and personal expense of network construction, it said.

Crosstown Fiber is led by an executive team of industry veterans, starting with its founder, President and CEO Michael Underdown. Underdown boasts nearly 30 years of experience in the telecommunications infrastructure industry, primarily in the Chicago market. Prior to joining Crosstown Fiber, Underdown served as the chief operating officer of Comdesco Group Inc., a construction management and consulting firm focused on fiber networks and data centers.

"I'm extremely excited to launch this new venture, and bring a new level of connectivity to the Chicago market," Underdown said. "Our unique, underground network is the ideal fit for customers who need multiple, diverse fiber routes to maintain business uptime, with high capacity and availability to scale with their unique and evolving needs.