Lightower acquires Chicago’s ColocationZone

Fiber-optic network service provider Lightower Fiber Networks has beefed up its presence in Chicago with the acquisition of ColocationZone, an enterprise-class data center provider located in the 725 South Wells data center downtown. Lightower also will assume operations of the meet-me-room for the entire 725 South Wells facility owned by Digital Capital Partners, LLC.

Located on the South Loop of the city's Central Business District, ColocationZone features approximately 6,500 sq. ft. of enterprise-class data center space available through scalable leases of cages and cabinets. It offers access to nine telecommunications carriers (six of them lit-service providers) in addition to connectivity on Lightower's fiber-optic network. The 725 South Wells facility also offers direct fiber connectivity to the data center at 350 East Cermak in the city.

"ColocationZone's facility in the downtown business district is a great fit for Lightower as we continue to expand in, and invest in, the Chicago market," stated Lightower CEO and President Rob Shanahan. "Demand for enterprise-class data center services continues to grow in the Chicago market and 725 South Wells provides a perfect alternative to the 350 E. Cermak Road facility. This acquisition also allows us to complement a customer's data center needs with Lightower's high-capacity network services for enterprises, cloud, content, and carrier customers in the region."

The acquisition follows Lightower's expansion of its fiber network throughout downtown and greater Chicago last year. The Lightower Network now connects to nearly all major Chicago data centers and financial exchanges, the company asserts. Lightower also offers fiber services in such surrounding municipalities as Elk Grove, Aurora, Skokie, and areas in between.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.