Zayo commits $90 million to boost fiber infrastructure and education connectivity in Tennessee
Zayo has committed $90 million to expand its fiber infrastructure across Tennessee, targeting improved connectivity for data centers, schools, and underserved communities.
The company said the investment will strengthen key network routes, support AI-driven workloads, and increase access to high-speed internet throughout the state.
The expansion includes enhancements to support hyperscale and data center campuses, addressing rising demand for bandwidth-intensive applications such as artificial intelligence.
Zayo Education, formerly Education Networks of America, is based in Nashville and has been delivering network services across Tennessee for nearly three decades. According to the company, it currently provides managed internet and wide-area networking (WAN) services to 94% of school districts in the state.
The company positioned the investment as a step toward reducing connectivity gaps, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Zayo said the infrastructure will bolster access to digital learning for K-12 schools while laying groundwork for broader economic development.
Michael McKerley, Senior Vice President, Zayo Managed Services, said:
“Zayo’s $90 million investment in Tennessee is a testament to our continued commitment to bridging the digital divide and powering the state’s future. As the leading provider of managed network connectivity for Tennessee schools—serving 139 of the state’s 147 districts—we understand the critical need for reliable, high-speed internet. This investment will expand our network’s reach, strengthen connectivity for K-12 education, and support the infrastructure needed for Tennessee’s growing digital economy.”
The announcement follows other infrastructure moves by Zayo in recent months. In January, the company said it would add more than 5,000 fiber route miles to accommodate AI-related demand. Earlier this month, Zayo disclosed plans to acquire Crown Castle’s fiber solutions business.
