Lightpath Closes Acquisition of United Fiber & Data Assets

Rhea-AI Summary

Lightpath has completed the acquisition of United Fiber and Data (UFD) assets and introduced LightCube Edge Data Centers. The acquisition includes a strategic 323-mile NYC-Ashburn route, 79 miles of metro fiber in New Jersey and New York City, and approximately 250 new commercial service locations in Manhattan, bringing their Manhattan service locations to over 1,500.

The NYC-Ashburn route offers the industry's lowest latency between New York City and Ashburn's data center ecosystem, with service options including dark fiber and wavelengths up to 800 Gbps. Currently, nearly 25% of the cable is under contract, representing a 3.5x increase since the transaction announcement.

The company plans to deploy LightCube edge data centers along the NYC-Ashburn route, upgrading four existing ILAs to support edge compute workloads and AI services. These modular facilities will support 864-count fiber cables with corresponding space and power capabilities.

Positive

• Acquisition adds 323-mile strategic NYC-Ashburn route with industry's lowest latency
• 25% of cable already under contract, 3.5x increase since announcement
• Added 250 new commercial service locations in Manhattan
• Manhattan service locations increased to over 1,500 (5x increase over last 3 years)
• Pipeline of opportunities could potentially oversubscribe the route

Negative

• None.

Company Introduces LightCube Edge Data Centers and Plans to Construct 4 Units Along NYC-Ashburn Route to Address Demand from Edge Compute and Other AI-Related Projects

NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightpath, an all-fiber, infrastructure-based connectivity provider revolutionizing how organizations connect to their digital destinations, announced the company has closed the transaction to acquire substantially all of the assets of United Fiber and Data (UFD). The company also introduced LightCube Edge Data Centers that will be first deployed along its NYC-Ashburn strategic network route.

Lightpath closes on the acquisition of United Fiber and Data and introduces LightCube data centers.

The asset additions elevate Lightpath's position in the digital infrastructure industry and expand its reach in the New York Metro and Ashburn markets. Lightpath adds the geographically diverse, 323-mile NYC-Ashburn route, as the company continues to amass new and unique route options between these markets. Lightpath also adds 79-miles of metro fiber in New Jersey and New York City, and approximately 250 new commercial service locations in Manhattan. Lightpath now offers over 1,500 enterprise and data center service locations in Manhattan alone, a 5x increase over the last three years. 

NYC-Ashburn Route: Geographically Diverse and Lowest Latency

Lightpath's New York City to Ashburn network route is geographically diverse from typical network routes along the I-95 corridor and offers the industry's lowest latency between the largest population center in the country and the largest data center and cloud ecosystem in the world. Service options on this route include dark fiber and wavelengths up to 800 Gbps. 

"This route represents a unique opportunity for customers to connect these critical markets with diversity, latency management, and soon the addition of edge compute facilities," explained Tim Haverkate, EVP of Major Infrastructure Solutions, Lightpath. "Lightpath has seen surging demand on this route, with nearly 25% of the cable under contract, a 3.5x increase since the transaction was initially announced. Further, we are engaged in active conversations with 20 customers resulting in an opportunity pipeline that would oversubscribe the route as it exists today."

Lightpath customers can connect to almost any data center in the Ashburn region and in total can connect to over 140 data centers across its footprint. Lightpath can route customers from any on-net data centers in New York Metro or Boston Metro to Ashburn utilizing this route. Lightpath can also deliver routing options along the I-95 corridor to support services on the NYC-Ashburn route.

LightCube: Connected Edge Data Centers for AI Services and Edge Compute

Lightpath also introduced LightCube edge data centers – modular, secure, and customizable facilities that fully support the capacity for 864-count fiber cables and the corresponding space and power for edge compute workloads. Lightpath will be upgrading four existing ILAs on the NYC-Ashburn route with new LightCubes in response to customer demand.

"This route represents a strategic addition to the Lightpath network extending our reach from the Northeast into the ever-expanding data center ecosystem in Ashburn," stated Chris Morley, CEO, Lightpath. "We will continue to aggressively pursue organic and inorganic opportunities to meet both the metro and the long-haul requirements on behalf of our hyperscaler, carrier, and enterprise customers."

About Lightpath

Lightpath is revolutionizing how customers connect to their digital destinations by combining our next-generation network with our next-generation customer service. Lightpath's advanced fiber-optic network offers a comprehensive portfolio of custom-engineered connectivity solutions with unparalleled performance, reliability, and security. Our consultative customer service means we work with you to design, deliver, and support the solution for your unique needs, faster and more easily than ever before. For over 30 years, thousands of enterprises, governments, and educators have trusted Lightpath to power their organization's innovation. Lightpath is jointly owned by Altice USA (NYSE: ATUS) and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners.

To learn how Lightpath can connect you to your digital destinations, visit lightpathfiber.com

For media inquiries:
JSA for Lightpath
1-866-695-3629
jsa_lightpath@jsa.net

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SOURCE Lightpath

FAQ

What assets did Lightpath acquire from United Fiber & Data?

Lightpath acquired a 323-mile NYC-Ashburn route, 79 miles of metro fiber in New Jersey and New York City, and approximately 250 new commercial service locations in Manhattan.

What is the current utilization rate of Lightpath's NYC-Ashburn route?

Nearly 25% of the cable is under contract, representing a 3.5x increase since the transaction was initially announced.

What are LightCube Edge Data Centers?

LightCube Edge Data Centers are modular, secure, and customizable facilities that support 864-count fiber cables and provide space and power for edge compute workloads.

How many LightCube facilities is Lightpath planning to deploy?

Lightpath plans to upgrade four existing ILAs on the NYC-Ashburn route with new LightCubes in response to customer demand.

How many service locations does Lightpath now have in Manhattan?

Lightpath now offers over 1,500 enterprise and data center service locations in Manhattan, representing a 5x increase over the last three years.