Susana SchwartzAI for networks, and networks for AI
The massive throughput for training models and the ultra-low latency needed for inference is drawing attention to physical network upgrades—both on the ground and in the air. Data center developers and operators are keenly watching developments with both regional fiber and AI-native 6G infrastructure.
As we report day by day in RCRTech and RCRWireless, major telcos (or “techcos”) are inking multi-billion-dollar dark fiber deals to connect hyperscale data centers, and working within a rapidly evolving ecosystem to deploy 6G in the race to optimize the routing of AI traffic.
In today’s “Top Stories,” below, you’ll see the common thread is a critical need for faster, high-capacity data transmission, where fiber optic cables connect large data centers and AI-native 6G emerges to push inference workloads to the cell tower or local edge nodes to bypass backhaul network congestion.
Susana Schwartz
Technology Editor
RCRTech
AI Infrastructure Top Stories
Data center fiber connectivity: Regional fiber players are often close to DC clusters, so companies like Shentel, whose AI fiber runs through areas of existing or emerging data center density, are stepping in to meet growing demand for fiber.
AI-native 6G: In a shift from hyperscale facilities to distributed edge nodes, AI-native 6G will deliver ultra-low microsecond latencies and massive bandwidth. Qualcomm’s Durga Malladi explains how it will be embedded end-to-end.
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U.S. Manufacturing Ultimatum: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the administration is crafting a targeted semiconductor tariff policy to offer tariff credits if they manufacture inside the U.S., and penalties if they don’t.
MN8-Google clean energy: MN8 Energy, Eos Energy Enterprises, and Google will deliver “clean energy” to the PJM grid in West VA, combining 86MW of utility-scale solar, 70MW/280MWh of lithium-ion energy storage and 10MW/100MWh of LDES.
EPA proposes end to public notification: The EPA has proposed a rule to end public-notification requirements when facilities apply for minor-source air permits. Attorneys general, environmental and community groups are opposing the change.
Large Durango DC planned: Cuasar Capital and KA Urbe IT will jointly build a 300MW data center in Durango, with access to 3 carriers via Phoenix-Querétaro connectivity corridor. The campus will be one of the largest in Mexico.
Broadcom $115B AI chip projection: In its Q3 earnings, Broadcom reported that sales rose 86% YoY to $29.59 billion, with CEO Hock Tan projecting custom AI chip revenues to reach $115 billion by fiscal 2027 and $230 billion by 2028.
Optical interconnect: Sivers Semiconductors announced a $30 million expansion of its Glasgow photonics facility and a pivot from Fab-Lite manufacturing to hybrid manufacturing that combines expanded in-house manufacturing capabilities.
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