Summary:
1. Zayo completes a new 622-mile long-haul fiber route, providing low-latency connections for data centers in the western US.
2. The Umatilla-Prineville-Reno (UPR) route connects with Zayo’s extensive fiber network and offers access to underserved regions in Oregon, California, and Nevada.
3. The project is funded by the NTIA Middle Mile Grant Program and is part of Zayo’s larger plan to build 5,000 new long-haul route miles by 2030 to support AI and cloud infrastructure needs.
Article:
In a significant development for the infrastructure industry, Denver-based provider Zayo has announced the completion of a new 622-mile long-haul fiber route that promises to revolutionize connectivity for data centers in the western United States. The Umatilla-Prineville-Reno (UPR) route, interconnecting with Zayo’s vast 19.5 million fiber miles and 1,700 linked data centers nationwide, opens up access to previously underserved regions in Oregon, California, and Nevada. This expansion marks a crucial step in ensuring seamless, low-latency connections for critical data infrastructure.
Built with state-of-the-art SMF-29 fiber, multiple conduits, and 13 Zayo-owned signal-boosting in-line amplifiers (ILAs), the UPR project was made possible in part by the NTIA Middle Mile Grant Program, which awarded Zayo $92.9 million to bolster infrastructure across eight states and over 2,100 route miles. This investment underscores Zayo’s commitment to bridging connectivity gaps and supporting the growing demands of AI and cloud workloads in today’s digital landscape.
Looking ahead, Zayo has ambitious plans to construct an additional 5,000 long-haul route miles by 2030, addressing bandwidth constraints and meeting the evolving needs of AI and cloud technologies. With a focus on enhancing connectivity in rural areas and addressing socio-economic factors, Zayo is dedicated to providing fast, secure, and reliable network solutions to communities in need. This forward-thinking approach underscores the company’s commitment to driving innovation and fostering digital inclusion on a national scale.
As the demand for high-speed, low-latency connections continues to soar, the completion of the UPR fiber route represents a significant milestone in advancing infrastructure capabilities in the US. With the support of initiatives like the NTIA grant program and a strategic vision for future expansion, Zayo is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of connectivity and ensuring that AI-driven technologies can thrive without limitations.