Data demands are skyrocketing, and businesses are feeling the pressure. With AI adoption expected to grow 2-6x by 2030 according to Zayo research, the rise of streaming services, widespread cloud adoption, and the continued prevalence of remote and hybrid work models, companies need more than just basic connectivity. The ability to scale, ensure reliability, and innovate has become critical for success in today’s digital-first world.
Zayo is meeting these needs head-on. To support the surge in AI-driven data workloads and the growing reliance on high-bandwidth applications, we’ve constructed over 5,000 new fiber route miles while overbuilding existing routes. This proactive network expansion enables our infrastructure to scale while our customers’ needs grow.
What does Zayo’s network expansion mean for enterprises? And why is choosing a network provider committed to growth so crucial? In this blog, we’ll explore the alignment of network expansion with rising data demands, its impact on business operations, and the risks of relying on a stagnant provider.
How Zayo’s Q1 Infrastructure and Innovation Enhancements Support Enterprise Growth
Zayo’s latest network expansions and enhancements strategically align with future market needs. Here’s a glimpse into our latest updates and what they mean for enterprises:
1. Network Monitoring
In Q1, Zayo added fiber monitoring to 1,000 fiber miles, improving network reliability and coverage. Beyond increasing capacity, we’ve enhanced our comprehensive network monitoring to ensure consistent, optimized performance. Using advanced tools, our network can detect and resolve issues quickly, giving businesses the peace of mind they deserve.
2. 400G-Enabled Network
To accommodate growing bandwidth demands, Zayo continues to overbuild 400G routes and added one additional 400G-enabled wavelength route in Q1. Our 98% 400G-enabled wavelength network allows for quadruple the capacity of 100G Wavelengths, ideal for enterprises handling resource-intensive AI applications, high-definition video content, or real-time collaboration tools, or scaling to adopt future technologies.
3. PWNs (Private Wavelength Networks)
This quarter, Zayo introduced a new architecture to our Private Network Portfolio with the launch of long-haul PWNs. These secure, high-performance networks are easier to buy and scale, offering a seamless path to dark fiber for enterprises with growing capacity demands. long haul PWNs ensure flexibility, security, and future-ready connectivity for organizations.
4. Quick-Connect Data Centers
Zayo’s Quick-Connect data centers are built for speed and reliability. With over 80 strategic locations to date, we provide the infrastructure your network needs to thrive in today’s digital world — turning up services faster than ever before. We optimize network performance, offer scalable solutions for growth, and deliver reliable connectivity to keep you ahead. Our goal is to meet your current needs while preparing you for the future.
The Direct Impact of Network Expansion on Businesses
Investments in network expansion lead to tangible benefits across industries.
- Finance: For industries such as high-frequency trading, every millisecond matters. Zayo’s network includes low-latency routes necessary for real-time financial transactions like our Spread route, the lowest latency connection between Chicago and New York.
- Manufacturing: With businesses expanding their operations across borders, robust network infrastructure ensures seamless communication and supply chain optimization.
- Media and Entertainment: Reliable, high-speed connections are paramount when delivering streaming services, managing massive media files, or broadcasting live events in major cities.
By continuing to grow its network, Zayo empowers businesses across all sectors to remain agile and competitive, no matter their unique challenges or market demands.
The Risks of Choosing a Stagnant Network Provider
Zayo stands out as one of the only network providers committed to ongoing network expansion. While a growing network is a gateway to scalability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, partnering with providers that fail to expand their infrastructure can hold your business back.
Here’s what’s at stake when you go with a stagnant provider:
- Reduced Reliability
Businesses depending on real-time applications or cloud-hosted platforms face major risks if their network provider lacks adequate capacity or operates outdated, reactive networks. IT downtime costs businesses $700 billion annually. Without proactive network monitoring tools, the issue worsens, leading to longer outages and more significant disruptions.
- Difficulty Adapting to Market Needs
When network providers fail to grow with technological advancements, enterprises face roadblocks in adopting new tools and staying competitive. For instance, an under-equipped provider may limit a business’s ability to support emerging AI workloads.
- Poor Customer Experience
For e-commerce businesses, even a one-second delay in page load time can reduce conversions by 7%. A stagnant network puts enterprise customers at a disadvantage, directly damaging their ability to deliver seamless user experiences.
How to Choose the Right Network Partner
To ensure your business thrives amid increasing data demands, you need a partner that proactively invests in its network. Here are essential factors to consider when evaluating network providers:
- Network Monitoring: Choose a provider equipped with robust monitoring tools to track performance and detect issues early.
- Continuous Physical Investments: Ensure your partner prioritizes the physical protection of network assets and regularly invests in infrastructure.
- Capacity Expansion: A provider should constantly work to increase the network’s capacity and optimize its architecture, ensuring it stays ahead of demand.
- Operational Efficiency: Look for network providers that employ smart strategies to maximize their network control while minimizing costs.
- Data Integrity: Your network provider must uphold the integrity and accuracy of network inventory data, such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), to maintain reliable and up-to-date records of network assets.
Why Zayo Is the Partner You Need
Zayo is committed to ensuring businesses have access to the most expansive, reliable, and innovative infrastructure. Here’s what sets us apart as the industry leader in network growth and scalability:
- 13,000 Fiber Miles and Counting Under New Monitoring: Zayo ensures comprehensive oversight of its infrastructure, offering unparalleled reliability.
- 300+ Tbps of Provisioned Private Capacity: Zayo’s capacity ensures availability for even the most data-intensive applications.
- 80+ Quick Connect Data Centers: Fast and seamless connectivity enables businesses to maximize operational efficiency.
- Significant Year-over-Year Investments: We’ve invested millions annually to guarantee that our network meets both present and future demands. Our recent acquisition of Crown Castle’s network assets highlights our dedication to strengthening and expanding our network infrastructure.
- Top 100 Locations with New Lit Network Technology: Business-critical data centers feature Zayo’s newest technologies for faster, more reliable connections.
Future-Proof Your Network Today
Data demands are not slowing down, and neither can your network. Choosing a provider like Zayo that continuously expands, innovates, and supports its customers sets your business apart from competitors.
Zayo remains committed to powering enterprises with the network infrastructure they need to scale, adapt, and thrive today and tomorrow.