Communications infrastructure provider Zayo is embarking on an ambitious project to expand its fiber network across the United States, with plans to build over 5,000 route miles of long-haul fiber. This expansion is designed to meet the increasing demand driven by AI workloads and ensure robust network capacity for the rapidly growing AI data center market.
The new routes will complement Zayo’s already extensive network, which includes an additional 5,000 route miles of fiber. The company aims to address potential bandwidth gaps in the U.S. as AI-related data center capacity is expected to surge—potentially up to six times over the next five years.
Key Details: New Fiber Routes and Overbuilds
Five New AI-Focused Routes Across the U.S.
Zayo’s expansion includes the construction of five new long-haul routes that are strategically planned to link key data center hubs and emerging AI growth areas. These routes are designed to provide direct, low-latency, and scalable network paths that support the needs of AI-driven data centers. The planned routes are as follows:
- Chicago to Columbus
- Las Vegas to Reno, Nevada
- Atlanta to Ashburn, Virginia
- Minneapolis to Chicago
- Columbus to Indianapolis
In addition to these new routes, Zayo is planning to enhance existing routes with overbuilds at seven key locations to boost capacity and performance. These overbuilds include:
- Denver to Dallas
- Denver to Omaha to Chicago
- Denver to Salt Lake City
- Salt Lake City to Reno
- Dallas to Atlanta
- Columbus to Ashburn
- Phoenix to Tucson
Supporting AI’s Unprecedented Growth in Data Centers
The need for such infrastructure builds stems from the rapid growth in AI workloads. According to Zayo’s CEO, Steve Smith, the company is responding to substantial AI-driven demand, with over $1 billion in AI-related deals in 2024 and an additional $3 billion in the pipeline. Zayo’s strategic investment in long-haul fiber infrastructure aims to ensure that the network can support the scalable, low-latency connections required by the next wave of AI growth.
“Keeping pace with the next wave of AI growth will require new long-haul networks to enable the rapid scaling of capacity needs in both existing and emerging AI data center markets,” said Smith.
The Role of Fiber Infrastructure in AI’s Future
Meeting the Needs of AI-Driven Data Centers
Zayo’s new and overbuilt routes are specifically designed to meet the demands of AI data centers, which are predicted to see substantial growth in the coming years. AI workloads require robust infrastructure that can handle immense data processing and storage needs. As AI technology evolves, data center providers and infrastructure companies like Zayo must stay ahead of demand to avoid bandwidth bottlenecks that could slow down operations.
These new fiber routes will also help to alleviate potential network congestion in critical locations, ensuring that AI workloads can be processed smoothly and efficiently. Zayo’s focus on low-latency and scalable paths ensures that data centers can expand without worrying about connectivity limitations.
Zayo’s Expanding Network and Future Plans
Expanding the Network and Enhancing Performance
Zayo currently operates a vast North American network that spans 16.5 million fiber miles. In 2024, the company further expanded its reach by adding over 700,000 fiber miles and introducing 14 new 400G-enabled wavelength routes. These additions are part of Zayo’s broader strategy to prepare its network for the demands of emerging technologies like AI.
The company has also reached significant milestones, including the activation of a petabit of active Waves services, and expects its entire North American network to be 400G-enabled by the end of 2025.
International Expansion and Future Acquisitions
In addition to its North American operations, Zayo is continuing its international expansion, having acquired Globalways GmbH in 2023 to enhance its fiber infrastructure in Europe. The company also made headlines last year with interest in purchasing fiber assets from U.S. tower company Crown Castle.
Zayo’s aggressive expansion strategy reflects its commitment to supporting the increasing connectivity demands driven by AI, as well as its desire to maintain a leadership position in the long-haul fiber market.
FAQ Section
1. Why is Zayo expanding its fiber network?
Zayo is expanding its fiber network to support the growing demand for AI workloads. The company plans to build over 5,000 route miles of long-haul fiber to meet the increasing need for scalable, low-latency connections between data centers.
2. What are the new fiber routes Zayo is building?
Zayo is building five new routes: Chicago to Columbus, Las Vegas to Reno, Atlanta to Ashburn, Minneapolis to Chicago, and Columbus to Indianapolis. These routes will help support AI-driven data centers.
3. How does fiber infrastructure impact AI data centers?
Fiber infrastructure is critical for AI data centers because it enables fast, reliable data transmission. AI workloads require vast amounts of data to be processed in real time, making low-latency and high-capacity fiber routes essential for smooth operations.
4. How much has Zayo invested in AI-related deals?
In 2024, Zayo saw over $1 billion in AI-related deals and has an additional $3 billion in its pipeline, reflecting the high demand for AI infrastructure.
5. What is Zayo’s network capacity today?
Zayo’s North American network spans 16.5 million fiber miles, with plans to expand and upgrade its infrastructure, including adding 700,000 fiber miles and introducing 400G-enabled wavelength routes.
