AI pushes fiber demand into a new phase, says Zayo

Zayo says AI workloads are reshaping network requirements: long-haul dark fiber demand doubled between 2024 and 2025 and rose as much as 20x in top AI metro markets. Typical orders have grown from dozens of fibers to hundreds and thousands, with permitting now the biggest execution challenge.

• Long-haul dark fiber demand doubled between 2024 and 2025
• Dark fiber demand up to 20x higher in top AI metro markets
• Orders grew from dozens of fibers to hundreds and thousands
• Permitting, equipment and skilled labor are key bottlenecks