Data Center POST Interview with James Taylor, Director of Carrier Sales, Bluebird Network
By Contributing Editor, Kathy Xu
Data Center POST recently interviewed Bluebird Network’s Director of Carrier Sales, James Taylor. James is a 28-year telecommunications industry veteran with experience in sales, operations and business development. Prior to joining Bluebird, he worked with the Lincoln Telephone Company, Aliant Communications, Alltel and Windstream. Today, Bluebird Network has over 6,000 fiber route miles of high-speed broadband and fiber-optic connections.
Data Center POST, Kathy Xu (DCP-KX) Question: Tell our readers about your company’s recent announcements and how it is tied to your overall strategy in the region.
Bluebird Network, James Taylor (BLUEBIRD-JT) Answer:
In recent months, Bluebird Network has focused on expanding in many different areas. We’ve added 45 fiber route miles in the St. Louis metropolitan area alone and built our first customer-facing 100G diverse circuits. We’ve expanded our coverage to include Missouri schools and are the second largest broadband provider to public schools in the state. We are currently planning the second expansion of our Bluebird Underground Data Center. Recently, we introduced Remote Hands Services to assist our data center customers. As we grow and enhance our current services, we continue to introduce new offerings for our customers, such as providing network infrastructure for wireless small cell deployment.
Data Center POST, Kathy Xu (DCP-KX) Question: What are some of the biggest challenges faced by rural enterprises, hospitals, etc. and how are you working to solve them?
Bluebird Network, James Taylor (BLUEBIRD-JT) Answer:
The biggest challenges for rural enterprises is obtaining the bandwidth required to meet the needs of more sophisticated and technologically advanced systems, due to a lack of fiber infrastructure close by. Getting fiber to rural areas is costly. There are government programs that help finance the construction of fiber networks to rural communities. Bluebird helps organizations understand the programs and if they may qualify for assistance. Bluebird is currently looking at strategic fiber build plans which would provide high levels of bandwidth via its expanded fiber network.
Data Center POST, Kathy Xu (DCP-KX) Question: What trends have you noticed in the market that may impact Bluebird Network customers in 2019?
Bluebird Network, James Taylor (BLUEBIRD-JT) Answer:
In 2019, bandwidth demand will continue to rise with the ever increasing consumption of video and other data services in all markets. Evolving services such as SD-WAN, 5G and the continued push for coordinated network interconnection via standards like MEF 3.0 will continue to push network expansion into more areas.
Data Center POST, Kathy Xu (DCP-KX) Question: Why are industry events like INCOMPAS so important to companies like Bluebird Network and what do you look forward to the most at the event?
Bluebird Network, James Taylor (BLUEBIRD-JT) Answer:
INCOMPAS and other similar industry shows are prime opportunities to meet with other service providers, understand their direction and needs, and work to develop and nurture relationships to achieve goals and objectives for all parties. In an ever-changing environment like the telecom industry, it is important to stay abreast of technology trends and innovations. Having many providers in one space is an efficient way to facilitate many meetings in a short amount of time.
Data Center POST, Kathy Xu (DCP-KX) Question: What can customers expect to see next from Bluebird Network?
Bluebird Network, James Taylor (BLUEBIRD-JT) Answer:
In the coming year, customers can expect to see system development enhancements to enable access via a customer web interface. In addition, there will be increased capacity for all data services facilitated by core and distribution network capacity upgrades that continue to provide uncongested network infrastructure to support customer demand. One of our biggest focuses for 2019 will be our expanding fiber footprint. Bluebird has committed over $100M in capital over the next few years to expand its network.
DCP-KX: Thanks for chatting with us, James. To learn more about Bluebird Network, visit
