Lightpath Enters Phoenix Market with New AI-Grade Fiber Network

Core Insights - Lightpath has announced its entry into the Phoenix market with a new 230-route mile high-fiber count network, supported by multiple hyperscaler customers [1][2] - The network will connect 8 data center campuses and carrier hotel locations, with additional connectivity to over 30 data center campuses in the region [2] - Construction has begun, with priority routes expected to be completed by Q2 2025 and overall completion anticipated in 2026 [3] Network Specifications - The Phoenix network will feature underground multi-conduit systems with a capacity for 20,000 fibers [2] - Lightpath will provide a full range of services including high-count dark fiber, conduit services, wavelengths up to 800 Gbps, Ethernet, and Internet [4] - The network is designed to support massive AI-driven connectivity requirements, reflecting the increasing demand from hyperscalers [5][6] Market Context - Phoenix is the fifth largest data center ecosystem globally, with 1.6 GW of operational capacity and an additional 1+ GW planned by 2027 [5] - Lightpath has previously announced $110 million in AI-related bookings for 2024, with a remaining demand pipeline of approximately$1 billion [5] - The fiber density in the Phoenix network is designed to support AI workload requirements estimated to be 10 times those needed for current multi-cloud network architectures [6]