Zayo and Corning expand fiber supply deal to meet AI demand

Zayo has expanded its strategic supply agreement with Corning Incorporated to secure a significant portion of the fiber optic cable required for its network expansion through the end of the decade. The move is intended to mitigate the risk of material shortages and ensure supply assurance as AI infrastructure drives unprecedented demand for network capacity.

Zayo plans to add 15,000 new route miles by 2030, which includes more than 8,000 miles of new long-haul fiber being developed in collaboration with Nvidia. Zayo CEO Steve Smith noted that AI infrastructure is changing the speed and location of network capacity requirements, necessitating the early procurement of physical inputs to stay ahead of demand.