Global demand for bandwidth is soaring to unprecedented levels and could soon outstrip available fiber infrastructure, according to Zayo’s newly released 2025 Bandwidth Report. The company projects that 120 million new long-haul fiber miles and 70 million metro fiber miles will be needed by 2030 in the U.S. to avert an imminent bandwidth shortage.
Zayo’s data shows metro dark fiber purchases surged 268% year-over-year from 2023 to 2024, while long-haul dark fiber demand climbed 52.6% over the same period. AI workloads are now the dominant driver of bandwidth growth, particularly among hyperscalers and large technology firms. Between 2020 and 2024, hyperscalers and carriers accounted for 91.2% of metro dark fiber purchases and 66.8% of all large (1 Tb+) wavelength deals. Emerging data center markets such as Memphis and Salt Lake City are experiencing exponential growth in bandwidth demand—up 4,300% and 348% respectively year-over-year.
Zayo is responding with significant investments: 5,000 new long-haul fiber route miles, a 385-mile Chicago-Columbus link already under construction, and the pending acquisition of Crown Castle’s fiber assets—adding over 100,000 metro route miles. “Increased connectivity demands from data centers, hyperscalers, and carriers are on track to create bandwidth scarcity in the near future. If you’re not getting the bandwidth you need today, in 10 years it may be too late,” said Bill Long, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Zayo.
- Metro dark fiber demand rose 268% YoY (2023-2024); long-haul fiber up 52.6%
- Hyperscalers drove 91.2% of metro dark fiber and 66.8% of large wavelength deals
- Memphis saw 4,300% growth in bandwidth demand; Salt Lake City up 348%
- $1 billion in AI-driven long-haul fiber deals booked by Zayo in 2024
- Projected 190 million new fiber miles needed by 2030 to meet demand
“Increased connectivity demands from data centers, hyperscalers, and carriers are on track to create bandwidth scarcity in the near future. If you’re not getting the bandwidth you need today, in 10 years it may be too late,” said Bill Long, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Zayo.
