For more on Lightpath’s expansion efforts:
· Lightpath responds to Phoenix's hyperscaler fiber demands
· Lightpath Miami targets dark fiber data center opportunities
· Lightpath sets new optical fiber network expansion and customer service course
Lightpath has completed its acquisition of WANRack's network assets and customers in the Phoenix metropolitan market, immediately enhancing its fiber reach into a growing data center hub.
This acquisition adds 133 route miles of fiber, including diverse paths between the Goodyear data center ecosystem and metro Phoenix carrier hotel facilities.
"Phoenix represents a strategic and growing market for Lightpath as we look to provide critical fiber infrastructure to customers with intensive bandwidth requirements,” said Tim Haverkate, EVP of Major Infrastructure Solutions for Lightpath.
Focus on fiber
Following Lightpath's recent Phoenix market entry, the integration of WANRack's assets increases Lightpath's total network footprint in the market to 363 route miles.
After the new fiber in Phoenix is completed, this infrastructure will connect 10 key data centers via underground, multi-duct conduit systems, linking emerging data center hubs in Goodyear, Buckeye, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, and Tempe to Phoenix's primary carrier exchange ecosystems.
Beyond the 10 planned connected data centers, the network will be strategically positioned near more than 30 additional single— and multi-tenant data center campuses. While Lightpath is already service-ready on 133 miles of acquired fiber, additional high-priority network segments will be constructed in the second quarter of this year, with full network completion targeted by the end of 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.
Responding to AI
Phoenix is just one of several markets where Lightpath is building new fiber facilities.
Miami is another key target. In October, Lightpath announced it would connect eight new Miami-based data centers, add 15 miles of new fiber network, and introduce a new RapidPath dark fiber service to area data centers.
Earlier, Lightpath acquired UFD to enhance its network holdings in New York and Ashburn, VA. UFD brought a unique and diverse 323-route mile, high-fiber count network between New York City and Ashburn, VA, connecting the country's largest population center with the world's largest data center and cloud ecosystem.
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.
Lightpath’s move into the Phoenix and Miami markets is part of a broader effort by the service provider to position its network to meet emerging AI demands.
The service provider previously announced $110 million of AI-related bookings in 2024, with a remaining demand pipeline of approximately $1 billion.
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.