Lightpath has entered the Phoenix market with a new 230-route mile, high-fiber count network throughout the region, a move it says is anchored by multiple hyperscaler customers.
Similar to its entrance into the Greater Miami market, the Phoenix build will accommodate new data center locations.
Encompassing 230-route miles of underground, multi-conduit systems with a capacity for 20,000 fibers, the Phoenix network will connect 8 data center campuses and carrier hotel locations, with an additional 30+ data center campuses near the planned routes.
The network will connect emerging data center ecosystems in Goodyear, Buckeye, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, and Tempe, with additional connectivity to significant carrier hotels throughout Phoenix Metro.
A key data center market
Lightpath’s move to build fiber in Phoenix shows the competitive provider has recognized the importance of fiber connectivity for data centers.
In a release, Chris Morley, CEO of Lightpath, said, "Phoenix represents the fifth largest data center ecosystem globally with 1.6GW of operational capacity and an additional 1+GW planned by 2027."
Construction of the Phoenix network has already begun, with priority routes targeted for completion in the second quarter of this year. Subsequent routes will be service-ready on a phased basis, with overall completion in 2026.
Lightpath's Phoenix network will offer a wide range of infrastructure and connectivity services, including high-count dark fiber, conduit services, wavelengths up to 800 Gbps, Ethernet, and the Internet.
Besides serving hyperscalers, the Lightpath Phoenix network will be available to enterprises, educators, governments, carriers, and wireless providers.
AI drivers
The growth of data center build-outs and fiber networks to support them comes as hyperscalers continue to plan their AI-related initiatives.
Lightpath has continued to see opportunities to meet AI demand. The service provider previously announced $110 million of AI-related bookings in 2024, with a remaining demand pipeline of approximately $1 billion.
Phoenix is just one of several markets where Lightpath meets the demands for AI.
With a network spanning over 10,800 unique route miles, Lightpath can support AI deployments within its existing footprint (New York Metro, Boston Metro, and Miami Metro) and other markets as needed.
It said its 2024 bookings and pipeline were driven by demand from all large hyperscalers looking to secure massive bandwidth for current and future AI initiatives.
Lightpath indicated it sees “significant sales and demand across more than 10 markets, including existing and new markets.”
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Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.