Planned 1,200-mile route system will support long-haul connectivity, route diversity and high-capacity infrastructure across key Midwest markets

GLENDALE, Wis. and CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Midwest Fiber Networks (MWFN) and Midwest Fiberpath, LLC (Fiberpath), with its partner Hawkeye Land Co. (Hawkeye) today announced an agreement supporting the development and commercialization of approximately 1,200 miles of strategic fiber corridors connecting major Midwest markets, including Chicago, Omaha, Minneapolis and Kansas City.

Through this agreement, MWFN will serve as the key provider supporting the commercialization and delivery of connectivity services across Hawkeye’s right-of-way corridor. Planned service opportunities include conduit, dark fiber, and highly scalable lit services for carriers, hyperscalers, data centers, enterprises, utilities, private-sector organizations and public-sector organizations.

The corridor is designed to create a long-term regional infrastructure platform that provides customers with additional options for network capacity, geographic reach and route diversity across the Midwest.

“This agreement represents an important step in our continued growth across the Midwest,” said Nik Ivancevic, Managing Partner of MWFN. “By working with Fiberpath and Hawkeye in Hawkeye’s corridor, MWFN will be able to expand the connectivity options available to carriers, businesses and other network customers seeking scalable capacity and greater route diversity across key Midwest markets.” 

“Midwest Fiberpath was created to develop scalable long-haul infrastructure across strategic corridors throughout middle America,” said Ken Anderson, Managing Director of Fiberpath. “Our relationship with MWFN brings together regional market knowledge, operational experience and infrastructure expertise to help bring these routes to customers seeking flexible, high-capacity connectivity solutions.”

Rick Stickle, CEO of Hawkeye and Managing Director of Fiberpath noted, “With this partnership, we believe we have found the highest and best of Hawkeye Land Co.’s property rights.”

Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027.

The project is already in advanced stages of engineering and materials procurement with scheduled shipments due before end of year 2026.

All three companies are aligned to establish the corridor as the foundation for long-term network expansion while helping address growing demand for resilient, high-capacity connectivity.

About Midwest Fiber Networks, LLC

Midwest Fiber Networks (MWFN) designs and delivers secure, high-speed fiber connectivity across the Midwest with a focus on reliability, redundancy, and customer satisfaction. With deep roots in telecommunications infrastructure and decades of experience, MWFN supports mission-critical operations for businesses, educational institutions, healthcare systems, and government entities. Through strategic partnerships and a rapidly growing footprint, MWFN is building the future of fiber—one mile at a time. For more information about Midwest Fiber Networks, visit midwestfibernetworks.com and follow MWFN on LinkedIn.

About Midwest FiberPath, LLC

Midwest FiberPath, LLC is a digital infrastructure company focused on developing scalable long-haul fiber corridor platforms across high-growth Midwest markets. The company is building a managed right-of-way system designed to support blank conduit, dense fiber deployments, route diversity, and long-term network expansion.

About Hawkeye Land Co.

Since 1985, Hawkeye Land Co., based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is the owner of the exclusive, perpetual right to grant easements along all former Rock Island Railroad corridors located in 106 Midwest counties in 4 key States. Those interests include the easement granting rights along the current rail corridors from Council Bluffs to Joliet and from Minneapolis to Kansas City. Hawkeye Land has managed these holdings, selling both crossing and longitudinal easements to utilities, municipalities and other applicants for over 40 years.

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SOURCE Midwest FiberPath