Nokia has announced a collaboration with Zayo to deploy a next-generation IP network architecture designed to significantly enhance Zayo’s connectivity capabilities. The initiative aims to deliver faster, more reliable, and more scalable Internet services while expanding Zayo’s ability to support advanced applications such as cloud access, edge computing, and secure high-speed data center interconnections.
The partnership would represent a major step in Zayo’s ongoing effort to modernize and expand its global IP backbone, which already spans over 19 million fiber miles and 147,000 route miles. The company’s network connects 400 markets and more than 1,500 on-net data centers worldwide.
By leveraging Nokia’s high-performance IP router solutions, Zayo is transitioning to a more modular and scalable architecture that can accommodate surging bandwidth demands and new digital service requirements emerging across industries.
The first phase of deployment is already underway in New York and New Jersey, with additional rollouts planned across dozens of markets in the near future. Once fully operational, the project will extend to thousands of new lit buildings, substantially increasing Zayo’s network reach. According to the companies, this transformation will enable Zayo to provision connectivity in new markets at unprecedented speed, reduce exposure to single points of failure, and ensure more resilient performance across its infrastructure.
Zayo’s updated IP architecture will be built on Nokia’s FP5-based 7750 Service Router and the 7250 Interconnect Router (IXR). These platforms are designed to support high-capacity transport with energy efficiency and security features optimized for large-scale data and cloud applications.
The technology also positions Zayo to deliver 400G and 800G-capable services, meeting growing customer demand for high-performance, low-latency connections that power AI workloads, content delivery, and enterprise cloud migration.
Aaron Werley, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Zayo, said the project sets a new benchmark for what fiber-based connectivity can deliver. “By partnering with Nokia, we’re setting a new standard for what’s possible in fiber-based connectivity. The ability to rapidly light up new buildings and markets on our IP network allows us to more quickly respond to customer demand, which is increasingly important in today’s fast-evolving market,” said Mr. Werley. “Nokia’s solution delivers the reliability, performance, and agility we need to meet the growing needs of our customers – from cloud providers and data centers to schools and enterprises.”
From Nokia’s perspective, the collaboration underscores the company’s expanding role in modernizing large-scale carrier networks. “This collaboration with Zayo reflects a shared commitment to advancing connectivity and creating new opportunities for digital transformation across industries,” said Jeff Valley, Vice President of IP Networks for CSPs at Nokia. “With our FP5-based platforms and deep expertise in IP networks, we’re enabling Zayo to deploy services faster, simplify operations, and lead the market with flexible, future-ready infrastructure.”
By combining Zayo’s extensive global fiber footprint with Nokia’s advanced IP technology, the two companies aim to set a new performance standard for Internet infrastructure – one that will help accelerate the next phase of digital transformation across the cloud, edge, and enterprise sectors.
