Zayo is putting down $90 million to expand its fiber network across Tennessee, connecting the state’s primary data centers and educational institutions.
The initiative targets advanced network infrastructure to power hyperscale and data center campuses, supporting the rapid expansion of the region's artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-bandwidth workloads.
While this is Zayo’s latest expansion effort, it’s not the only one. In 2020, Zayo added 50% more fiber to its Tennessee network footprint around Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville.
“This investment will expand our network’s reach, strengthen connectivity for K-12 education, and support the infrastructure needed for Tennessee’s growing digital economy,” said Michael McKerley, SVP of Zayo Managed Services.
Focus on education services
Another key focus of the new network investment is to bolster its services to the state’s education system.
Today, Zayo provides network services to schools in 139 of Tennessee’s 147 districts.
Through its acquisition of Education Networks of America (ENA) in 2021, Zayo became the largest independent provider of K-12 E-rate services, connecting almost 20,000 schools in the U.S.
For almost 30 years, Zayo Education has delivered mission-critical connectivity across urban and rural communities and remains the state’s top E-Rate services provider.
Zayo currently connects 94% of Tennessee school districts with managed internet and wide-area networking (WAN) services, ensuring K-12 students have secure access to digital learning, regardless of location. With this investment, Zayo is expanding its reach to underserved communities and reaffirming its dedication to bridging the digital divide in Tennessee.
Scaling infrastructure
Zayo’s new Tennessee network investment is the latest in new infrastructure expansion efforts.
In January, it unveiled a project to add over 5,000 new fiber route miles to support growing AI workloads.
Earlier this month, the company announced it is acquiring Crown Castle’s fiber solutions business.
By acquiring Crown Castle’s fiber business, Zayo will enhance its profile in the wavelength services market, where it has competed with Crown Castle and Tier 1 incumbent players like AT&T, Lumen, and Verizon.
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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.