Zayo‘s New Fiber Route Fuels the AI Boom in the Western US
The relentless growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing is placing unprecedented demands on network infrastructure. It’s no longer enough to simply have data centers; they need to be seamlessly connected with ultra-low latency and massive bandwidth. Recognizing this critical need, Zayo has completed construction of a vital 622-mile fiber optic route connecting umatilla, Prineville (Oregon), and Reno (Nevada) – aptly named the UPR route – designed to be a foundational backbone for the burgeoning AI ecosystem in the Western United States.
Why This Matters: The physical Foundation of AI
While much of the focus around AI centers on algorithms, processing power, and innovative applications, the reality is that AI is fundamentally a data-intensive endeavor. Data needs to move – fast – between data centers, compute resources, and end-users. As Bill Long, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at Zayo, succinctly puts it, “Without connectivity, datacentres and AI factories are just expensive refrigerators: cold boxes of compute with no way for data to get in or out.”
Zayo isn’t just responding to current demand; they’re proactively building the infrastructure to enable future AI innovation. This isn’t about incremental upgrades; it’s about laying the groundwork for a new era of connected intelligence. The UPR route represents a significant investment in the physical layer of the AI revolution.
Engineering for Performance: Low Latency, High Capacity
The UPR route isn’t just about laying fiber; it’s about engineering for optimal performance. Key features include:
* SMF-28 fiber: Utilizing the latest single-mode fiber technology for superior signal transmission and capacity.
* Multiple Conduits: Providing redundancy and future scalability.
* 13 Zayo-Owned ilas (Interduct Latency Access): Ensuring control and optimized performance along the entire route.
These specifications translate to exceptionally low latency and a high fiber count, capable of supporting the massive data workloads generated by AI and cloud applications. The route seamlessly integrates with Zayo’s existing West Coast network, including both long-haul and subsea systems, extending connectivity and bolstering the region’s growing AI corridor.
Connecting Emerging AI Hubs & Bridging the Digital Divide
The UPR route strategically connects key AI and cloud hubs in Oregon, California, and Nevada. It leverages Zayo’s extensive dark fiber network, offering the speed, reliability, and scalability that AI-driven services demand. Crucially, this new route provides a resilient and diverse alternative to the heavily congested I-5 corridor.
Beyond serving established tech centers,the UPR route is designed to extend carrier-grade access to communities currently unserved or underserved by high-speed internet. This is a critical step in democratizing access to the benefits of AI and fostering broader economic growth.
A National Initiative: Supported by the NTIA
zayo’s commitment to expanding critical infrastructure is partially funded by a grant from the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration) Middle Mile Grant Program. This $980 million program is a national initiative aimed at strengthening US high-speed internet networks by reducing the cost of connecting underserved areas to the internet backbone. the UPR route is part of a larger effort to build, improve, or acquire over 370 counties across 40 states and Puerto Rico.
Zayo’s Broader Vision: Investing in the Future of Connectivity
The UPR route is just one piece of Zayo’s enterprising plan to address the growing bandwidth demands of the future. The company already boasts over 19.5 million fiber miles and connectivity to 1,700 on-net data centers. Earlier in 2025, Zayo announced plans to build an additional 5,000 long-haul route miles by 2030, proactively addressing potential bottlenecks and expanding connectivity nationwide.
This long-term investment underscores Zayo’s position as a key network builder, a trusted partner to hyperscalers, neoclouds, and data centers powering the world’s most advanced digital ecosystems. They are not simply providing bandwidth; they are building the foundation upon which the future of AI will be built.
Looking Ahead:
As AI continues to evolve and permeate every aspect of our lives, the demand for robust, reliable, and high-capacity network infrastructure will only intensify. Zayo’s UPR route is a significant step towards meeting
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