Whether an organization is prioritizing digital transformation, rolling out hybrid multi-cloud infrastructure, edge infrastructure, trying to extend automation, or driving digital experiences, network connectivity, performance, and reliability are essential elements of success. Without a powerful network that\u2019s available when they need it, where they need it, with the right capabilities, organizations can\u2019t execute their innovative plans, serve their customers, and succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a leader with the largest independently owned fiber network in the world, we have a distinctive perspective on what efforts network operators should be making in order to serve their customers. In this post, we\u2019re going to explore the first of four critical areas of opportunity that the best network providers will deliver in 2022. In our next three posts, we\u2019ll explore other opportunities where network capabilities, capacity, and reach will change to help organizations pursue new opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s face facts for a moment. Though organizations like Zayo have worked very hard to deploy fiber where it\u2019s needed, as it\u2019s needed, there\u2019s still work to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take a look at this map, provided by the ITU<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, just in North America alone, large areas of the country lack intercity fiber networks. That\u2019s a problem because, with the advent of 5G and the need to deploy edge connectivity to support next-generation services, like autonomous driving, organizations need powerful fiber backbones throughout the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The U.S. administration passed the\u00a0Infrastructure and Jobs Act<\/a>\u00a0in part to remedy this gap, particularly for middle mile and last mile infrastructure. Every network provider that\u2019s aligned to their customer needs knows this and knows that they\u2019ll need to expand their networks in order to support their customers. We anticipate that every network provider will be pushing increased capacity, new routes, new capabilities, and market expansion to support emerging needs. Some of the most exciting approaches will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, it goes without saying that at Zayo, we\u2019ll be working on all these areas, delivering on\u00a0promised improvements<\/a>\u00a0so that our customers can feel confident in our capacity, capabilities, and reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our next post will move from physical expansion to network improvements \u2014 keep an eye on this blog for a view of how network providers will innovate in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n