The 23rd annual Metro Connect USA wrapped up in February 2024, solidifying its place as the premier event for the US digital infrastructure community. Held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor, the conference brought together over 2,500 attendees from across the industry spectrum, its largest gathering to date. Attendees and presenters from the broadband infrastructure community included lenders, investors, data center providers, cloud storage, and cable and fiber network operators. VETRO appreciated the opportunity at MetroConnect to network with many of our customers, partners and prospective clients in our lounge area and after hours.
The overarching theme of this digital infrastructure conference was how Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already straining our digital infrastructure. AI will drive the next cycle of growth and drive data center deal activity and new construction. Data centers are seeing power constraints in several markets and more limited access to capital markets that is slowing the growth of additional capacity.
Key Trends
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FTTH builds are steady but cost controls are tighter due to the cost of capital and labor constraints.
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Data Center growth constrained by lack of power and access to capital markets. Needs to grow from 50GW to 100GW* in the next decade to handle Generative AI workload (*Digital Bridge)
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$6 Trillion may be required to build out data centers to full capacity to leverage AI
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BEAD Funding will lag into 2025
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Fixed Wireless is a major player…..for now.
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AI is a demand driver for Enterprise fiber along with automation, security, and edge computing.
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ROI can be expedited through planning and automation
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Digital infrastructure M & A will increase
Metro Connect USA 2024 cemented its reputation as the must-attend event for leaders in the US fiber, data center, cloud, and related sectors. The conference provided a unique space for industry movers and shakers to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of digital infrastructure in the United States.
About VETRO
At VETRO, we believe visualizing data unlocks hidden potential, radically simplifying the way businesses operate and digitizing the future of connectivity. We focus on empowering network operators with unparalleled clarity and control over their fiber networks, enabling them to move faster, better, and more efficiently than ever before. Our revolutionary platform isn’t just software – it’s the physical network asset system of record, offering unprecedented visibility and control from strategic planning to daily operations. We empower our customers to bridge the digital divide at a rapid pace, unlock unforeseen opportunities, and squeeze the maximum value from their networks. Let’s illuminate the unseen, digitize the way we connect, and shape the future of connectivity, together.
