A wide array of news topics landed on the doorstep of the dark fiber segment this week, and with that amount of news in play, it's always worthwhile to take a look back at some of the biggest developments. That's just what we're going to do now with our Week in Review coverage, so settle in and let's run down the high points of the week in dark fiber!

First came Integra Telecom (News - Alert), who brought out word that Lyfe Communications would be using Integra's line of high-bandwidth fiber solutions in Lyfe Communications' Utah properties. The addition of Integra's line of solutions would allow Lyfe Communications to step up its total service capacity and bring more high-speed connectivity solutions to a line of so-called Multiple Dwelling Unit properties throughout Utah.

Lyfe would in turn get access to one of the biggest IP networks offered in the United States today. 

Sunrise Telecom brought out the next piece of news, as the company released firmware updates for a number of its products, including the CM3000 Cable Modem Network and Spectrum (News - Alert) Analyzer, the CM3800 Sweep System, and the DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem Network Analyzer. With the upgrades, technicians can better spot problems in the RF and fiber distribution networks, as well as provide extra efficiency for end users thanks to better spectrum display and improved sweep rates.

This joins a series of improvements geared toward the RxT Smart Productivity Test Platform from last spring.

Verizon (News - Alert) stepped up with a piece of news itself that will likely be welcome to those who endured Hurricane Sandy last year, as the firm moved to improve the infrastructure in Lower Manhattan with a stronger fiber optic backbone network. The storm dealt massive amounts of damage to the copper cables that were in place, so Verizon took the opportunity to remove what was left of the copper and replace it with fiber optics, restoring voice and high-speed data services alike to over 90 percent of office and commercial spaces.

When the work is complete, Verizon officials claim lower Manhattan's communications network will be among the world's most advanced.

Next, word emerged that MetroCast had tapped Sidera Networks to bring 100 Gb transport connectivity to MetroCast's array of network connections. This represents a significant step forward for MetroCast and for Sidera Networks (News - Alert) alike, as previously, Sidera Networks was only providing 10 Gb backbone connections to MetroCast. The change was geared not only to improve service for residential users, but also to provide extra power and data volume for commercial providers like content providers, research institutions and education firms.

Hughes (News - Alert) Network Systems rounded out the week as it engaged in a contract with the Mexican Ministry of Communications and Transport, building an 11,000-site broadband network. The network is set to bring high-speed data and voice services to areas which previously went without, and the satellite network – valued at $24 million – is set to connect a variety of schools, hospitals, government installations and more across 32 states in Mexico.

That was the week that was in dark fiber, and plenty of news was available for the taking this week. Our global online community, meanwhile, is constantly in the hunt for more big news to bring back our way, so be sure to join us back here next week for all the latest news in dark fiber, as well as every weekend for our Week in Review coverage!