EQT, DigitalBridge and Zayo See 'Gargantuan' Upside in Fiber Networks

The acquisition of Crown Castle’s fiber and small cell assets by Zayo, supported by EQT and DigitalBridge, marks a significant expansion in edge digital infrastructure. This deal addresses the critical need for connectivity alongside power in data center site selection, allowing Zayo to extend its reach into key markets like Miami, Boston, and Los Angeles. Operating as a private entity enables the firm to execute long-term capital investments and complex network integrations, avoiding the short-term pressures of public markets. With hyperscale capital expenditure reaching $350 billion annually, the integration of these assets provides a scalable foundation to meet surging demand from AI, robotics, and cloud applications. By prioritizing physical fiber infrastructure over speculative builds, the partnership secures a strategic advantage in a market where bandwidth requirements are increasingly outpacing traditional transmission capabilities.