Nokia has begun deploying a next-generation IP network architecture for Zayo Group, one of the largest independent providers of global communications infrastructure. The upgrade, built around Nokia’s FP5-powered 7750 Service Routers and 7250 Interconnect Routers, is designed to boost performance, scalability, and agility across Zayo’s massive IP backbone. The initial deployment is underway in New York and New Jersey, with plans to extend the architecture to dozens of markets and thousands of lit buildings across the United States.
The project represents a significant step in Zayo’s transformation toward a modular, high-capacity network that can deliver 400G and 800G-capable services at scale. Zayo’s footprint now spans over 19 million fiber miles and 147,000 route miles, connecting more than 400 markets and 1,500 on-net data centers globally. With Nokia’s FP5 silicon, the new infrastructure will enhance speed, reliability, and security for key services such as cloud access, data center interconnects, and enterprise connectivity. The design also minimizes congestion and points of failure, supporting low-latency applications and edge computing workloads that demand consistent uptime.
Zayo aims to accelerate service delivery and simplify operations through this modernization, enabling faster market entry and expansion for enterprise, hyperscale, and government customers. The new IP backbone will also help Zayo expand its reach into underserved markets by rapidly lighting up new buildings and on-net facilities through software-driven provisioning and automation.
• Zayo operates 19 million fiber miles across 147,000 route miles in North America and Europe
• Over 1,500 on-net data centers and 400 connected markets
• New Nokia IP architecture delivers 400G–800G scalability and lower power per bit
• First deployments in New York and New Jersey, expanding nationwide
• Nokia FP5-based routers enable faster provisioning and enhanced network security
“Our partnership with Nokia sets a new standard for fiber-based connectivity,” said Aaron Werley, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Zayo. “The ability to rapidly light up new buildings and markets allows us to respond to customer demand faster. Nokia’s solution delivers the reliability, performance, and agility we need to meet the growing needs of our customers—from cloud providers and data centers to schools and enterprises.”
🌐 Analysis: Zayo’s partnership with Nokia reinforces its ongoing push to evolve from long-haul fiber provider to full-stack network infrastructure enabler, especially as bandwidth demand surges from AI data centers, edge deployments, and hyperscalers. This announcement follows Zayo’s recent investments in 400G wavelength expansion and metro network densification across key U.S. regions. It also places Zayo in closer competition with Lumen, AT&T, and Verizon in delivering next-gen IP transport services powered by automation and coherent optics.
Zayo’s footprint spans more than 144,000 route miles and over 17 million fiber miles across North America and Europe, linking data centers, enterprises, and cloud regions with metro and long-haul dark fiber, wavelengths, Ethernet, and IP transit services. The company also operates extensive subsea and edge connectivity assets that support hyperscale and enterprise workloads. Backed by private equity firms DigitalBridge and EQT since its 2020 privatization, Zayo continues to expand its footprint through acquisitions and new builds, including AI-ready fiber routes and next-generation IP and optical architectures powered by partners such as Nokia.
