As hyperscalers look to expand into the Midwest, they face significant challenges in securing the right network infrastructure. These operations require high fiber capacity, scalability and reliability, far beyond what a typical data center requires. Midco is uniquely positioned to meet this demand with a network that’s ready for the future. 

The challenge for hyperscalers. 

Hyperscalers are major cloud service providers that deliver enterprise-level computing and storage solutions. They construct massive data centers to swiftly scale their infrastructure, ensuring they can handle large-scale workloads with efficient network connectivity and minimal latency, thereby meeting the increasing demands of their users. 

Midco’s unique advantage. 

“We control and manage the capacity on our network end-to-end, which gives us a major advantage,” said Pao Lo, vice president of network engineering at Midco. 

Hyperscalers require a level of reliability and performance that only an owned network can match. When networks are stitched together, you get a mix of technologies and varying upgrade levels. Midco’s owned network ensures a consistent, high-performance experience no matter where you’re located within its footprint. 

He explained, “Many of our competitors may have to hand off data to other providers, which increases latency. We don’t have that issue – our network is built for the future, and we’re prepared to deliver the fiber capacity hyperscalers need.” 

“Our network readiness really sets us apart,” continued Pao. “We have our own fiber connections to major hubs like Chicago and Denver. Not a lot of local operators here have that ability today.” 

Built to last. 

With the Midwest’s lack of extreme weather, abundant natural resources and renewable wind energy capabilities, the region is becoming a key location for hyperscaler development. 

“Hyperscalers are drawn to the Midwest for cheap power and real estate,” said Pao. “North Dakota, for example, offers excess capacity for affordable power, which is essential for power-hungry data centers.” 

Midco’s network already covers the heart of this region, from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas and beyond. Since 2021, the company has been upgrading and expanding its fiber network across the region. This expansion is not just about increasing coverage but about enhancing the quality and reliability of the network for future demands. 

Infrastructure for what’s next. 

A recent test showed latency of less than 20 milliseconds from Spearfish, SD, to Chicago, IL, on Midco’s MEF 3.0 certified network. 

“Our infrastructure is designed for those massive bandwidth demands that go beyond what a typical data center facility would require,” Pao explained. “Our network can scale to 24 terabits of capacity.” 

All this capacity allows hyperscalers to expand their operations with confidence. Midco’s wavelength services and dark fiber options offer flexibility and control, ensuring hyperscalers get the performance they need today and the scalability they need for tomorrow. 

“Supporting hyperscalers pushes the limits of our network,” said Pao. “We’re building a network for hyperscalers, but the entire business community benefits from that enhanced performance.” 

Benefits for all businesses. 

Midco is prepared to lead the way in ensuring the region becomes a hub for data center development – and in supporting various business models. This adaptability is crucial for large organizations that depend on robust network infrastructure, as well as the greater business community. 

“Everyone else gets to benefit because we’re building the network for the lowest common denominator – which is the hyperscalers,” said Pao, “and they have very strict service levels and very large data needs. So, if we build our network for hyperscalers, it’s going to trickle down and benefit communities, from businesses to our residential customers.”