News
Booming data center construction continues to drive demand for dark fiber in major markets like Phoenix, Arizona.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Data center construction in markets like Phoenix has sent the demand for fiber soaring, providing an opportunity to network providers.
One of the companies trying to meet demand, network infrastructure provider Light Source Communications (LSC), has seen at least one ongoing project more than double in size.
That project, a dark fiber route in the Phoenix area, will include 15 fiber rings and the construction of over 300 miles of fiber route, according to LSC’s recent release detailing several ongoing network expansions.
Joe Patton, the chief revenue officer (CRO) for Light Source Communications (LSC) told Broadband Communities that the conditions in the Phoenix market are not isolated to Arizona. He said data center construction is booming across the United States, increasing demand for fiber.
Patton, who was brought onto LSC’s leadership team in 2024, is the firm’s first CRO.
His hire, along with that of Dan Enright, as chief operating officer, comes at what the company describes as a pivotal time.
According to LSC’s release, Patton’s resume includes 34 years of telecommunications experience, including tenures at Southern Telecom, Uniti Fiber, and FiberLight.
A small company doing big things
He said LSC is a small company doing big things.
“Phoenix happens to be an area that’s of particular attraction based on availability of land, water, and power,” Patton said. “Power seems to be the biggest constraint across the U.S. and different markets.”
In the Phoenix area alone, Patton said over 70 data centers will be housed within the metro area’s digital ecosystem.
In addition to the Phoenix metro area, LSC has also invested into the Tulsa market. Currently, LSC is building out 80 miles of dark fiber in the Tulsa area. That fiber will complement LSC’s existing 50-mile network, a November release from LSC explained.
“Notably, the LSC Tulsa market will be completed nine months ahead of schedule, a testament to the operations team’s extensive experience and dedication,” the company’s release stated.
Great construction partnerships
We asked Patton how LSC has been able to complete projects so quickly ahead of schedule.
“Light Source has really developed a great plan, some great relationships both on the buy and sell side, and on the construction side,” he said. “There’s a lot of expertise there in our founders.”
He said a key to Light Source’s success has been the partnerships they’ve built over the years in strategic markets. He said LSC also maintains dedication to a clear mission.
“The customer experience is very important,” he said. “That’s what ultimately drives our company is the customer experience.”
Patton said the demand for dark-fiber network infrastructure stems from several factors, including that it is the most secure form of data transmission, according to Patton.
“It’s much harder for somebody to infiltrate a dark fiber network,” he said.
To that end, Patton said Light Source will be announcing their entrance into additional strategic markets in the near future.
“I can’t tell you who they are now,” he said. “But we’re very excited about them.”
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