Zayo Drives Connectivity for QTS' AI Data Centre Expansion

Zayo Europe is delivering connectivity infrastructure for one of the UK’s largest AI and cloud computing campuses.

The move signals a shift in how telecoms networks are evolving to support distributed digital infrastructure.

A development worth billions of dollars and led by QTS in Cambois in Northumberland, it is set to reach up to 720MW of AI-ready capacity once fully built.

This scale reflects growing demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency networks capable of supporting increasingly intensive AI workloads.

The project aligns with the UK’s AI Growth Zone strategy, placing telco infrastructure at the centre of national ambitions to expand AI capability and cloud adoption.

Fibre infrastructure underpins telco resilience

Zayo Europe will construct four diverse fibre routes into the campus, strengthening network resilience and ensuring continuous connectivity.

These fibre paths are designed to scale alongside demand, supporting the vast data transfer requirements associated with AI and cloud services. This high-capacity connectivity is essential as operators increasingly handle distributed workloads across multiple locations.

The site will connect to both Europe and the US via a Tier-1 IP network, which enables access to the global internet without reliance on third-party providers. This, in turn, reduces latency and enhances performance for international data exchange.

Zayo Europe’s infrastructure integrates with its wider UK fibre backbone, linking major cities including London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh. It is now turning to Northumberland as it offers the energy needed for hyperscale deployments, while major cities are facing power constraints.

Colman Deegan, CEO at Zayo Europe, says: “The QTS data centre, designated as an AI Growth Zone, is a landmark project for the UK, and Zayo Europe is proud to deliver the high-capacity, resilient connectivity that makes it possible.

“Much of the UK’s digital infrastructure is currently concentrated in London and the South East, where the grid is under pressure and capacity is limited. Expanding beyond the capital eases that pressure and diversifies connectivity and power.

“Extending Zayo Europe’s leading-edge digital infrastructure to this site will create high-performance, resilient connectivity that supports innovation across the UK.

“Through its extensive UK fibre backbone network, Zayo Europe is well positioned to support AI projects across the UK, which helps establish the country as a global leader in AI.”

Scaling AI infrastructure beyond London

The Cambois development reflects a broader shift within telcos, moving infrastructure beyond traditional hubs to unlock new capacity and improve network distribution.

Brent Bensten, Chief Technology Officer at QTS, says: “QTS is committed to driving meaningful economic impact in the North East, creating jobs, supporting regional regeneration and expanding access to advanced digital capabilities.

“Our Cambois data centre puts the UK at the heart of AI innovation and digital transformation.

“We're delighted to work with Zayo Europe to lay the foundations for nationwide AI growth.”

Local impact and network investment

The project highlights the role of telco infrastructure in regional development. Northumberland County Council plans to establish a fund of up to £110m (US$147m) supporting job creation and infrastructure upgrades for the campus.

Large-scale data centre developments such as this one act as anchors for wider digital ecosystems. High-capacity connectivity attracts technology firms and cloud providers, creating clusters of innovation around core infrastructure.

The network will be open access, allowing other carriers and enterprise customers to utilise the infrastructure. This supports competition and flexibility for the telco market, giving organisations more options in how they procure connectivity services.

Reliable fibre networks enable businesses in these regions to access cloud platforms and data services without the limitations traditionally associated with distance from major hubs. This supports more balanced digital growth across the UK.

Glen Sanderson, the Council Leader, says: “This work brings with it many benefits through a significant investment in the digital infrastructure of the County, which will bring job creation, upskilling and further growth opportunities.

“It is a positive next step to deliver this data centre.”