Lightpath has set Columbus, Ohio, as its next target for fiber expansion, aiming to build out fiber to meet the needs of a significant hyperscaler customer.

The service provider has been expanding its network capabilities to capitalize on growing AI opportunities.

The Columbus network build will include 102 route miles of underground, multi-conduit systems with high-fiber-count capacity, featuring diverse connections to two strategic data center campuses located south of downtown Columbus, extending back into the metro corridor. Engineering and design of the network have already commenced, with completion scheduled for mid-2026.    

Chris Morley, CEO of Lightpath, stated, “Columbus is currently the third-largest data center ecosystem in the Americas, with 1.8 GW of operational capacity, and an additional 3 GW planned and under construction.”

Multi-service network

Like other markets, it has recently extended its network into areas such as Miami and Phoenix. Lightpath will offer a range of services on its Columbus network, including high-count dark fiber, conduit services, wavelengths of up to 800 Gbps, Ethernet, Internet, and more.

In addition to serving hyperscalers, the Lightpath Columbus network will be accessible to enterprises, educators, governments, carriers, and wireless providers. 

Focus on AI opportunities

Columbus is Lightpath’s second new regional network built to AI specifications and the second new geographic market in 2025, following the company’s entrance into the Phoenix market in February.

Earlier, Lightpath Miami announced it would connect eight new Miami-based data centers, add 15 miles of new fiber network, and introduce a new RapidPath dark fiber service to area data centers.

These networks are designed to support large fiber capacity, addressing the demand the company is seeing from AI-related initiatives. 

In January, Lightpath announced $110 million in AI-related bookings for 2024, with a remaining demand pipeline of approximately $1 billion. Also this year, Lightpath announced the acquisition of United Fiber and Data (UFD) and its assets.   

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