Light Source Communications, a provider of secure, scalable, reliable connectivity on state-of-the-art dark fiber networks, announced it is expanding its Phoenix network by 35+ route miles in the Goodyear area as the region continues to see a boom in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and other high-performance computing (HPC) data center providers.
The explosive demand for LSC’s Phoenix route and its role in serving hyperscaler customers underscore the importance of the Phoenix Valley as one of North America’s most robust data and connectivity hubs. The metro area is home to over 70 planned and existing data centers, and the new route miles in the Goodyear area will make LSC’s network available to more of them. Initially planned for 140 miles and three rings when first announced, the route will now encompass 335+ miles and 15 rings.
“We’re thrilled to extend our dark fiber network into the Goodyear area. It speaks to our defining focus to service the hyperscalers in Phoenix and other strategic markets and longhaul routes,” said Debra Freitas, CEO of LSC. “Phoenix is essentially the ‘Northern Virginia of the West.’ We have seen time and again on this route that hyperscalers, data centers and colocation providers are turning to LSC’s next-generation fiber solutions to meet their demands for AI and other HPC technology.”
Phoenix has emerged as a leading data center market thanks to its strategic location, robust infrastructure and low costs. It is on the verge of massive growth, surging from 804 megawatts (MW) of inventory to over 1,800 WM, with an additional 3,684 MW planned. In April, LSC was named the first network provider to build into Edged’s newest ultra-efficient data center in Mesa, Arizona, less than 25 miles from downtown Phoenix. LSC’s network will be entirely underground, delivering the greatest reliability and network security possible through a high fiber count and conduit system. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.
Phoenix is one of several strategic markets where LSC is actively boosting connectivity for hyperscalers and enterprise customers alike. Construction is currently underway on dark fiber networks in Las Vegas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Additionally, in June, LSC completed construction of a 35-mile ring in Kansas City, Missouri. In Las Vegas, the company is building a critical 60-mile route. In Tulsa, LSC is adding 80 miles of new fiber to its existing 50-mile network. In addition to all of the networks being underground, all are anchored by a hyperscale tenant.
