Midco has secured a multistate agreement with Switch, marking a significant step in enhancing AI infrastructure across North Dakota and beyond. This five-year partnership will support operations for AI data centers, starting with an initial focus on Ellendale, North Dakota.
The agreement includes the deployment of over 500 circuits, each capable of 400 gigabits per second, resulting in a total capacity of 200 terabits. This project aims to ensure full-path redundancy between key locations, such as Chicago and the north side of Sioux Falls, laying a foundation for reliable connectivity.
Midco's president and COO, Ben Dold, highlighted the significance of this agreement, stating, “This connectivity deal strengthens Midco’s position as the nation’s largest 400G circuit provider, enabling hyperscalers and data centers to grow with confidence.” His comments underscore a commitment to high-bandwidth connectivity, which is crucial as demand for AI and cloud services rises across various sectors.
The collaboration with Switch, a key provider of AI, cloud, and enterprise data services, emphasizes the importance of resilient network designs in today's competitive environment. Scott Gutierrez, Switch’s senior vice president of connectivity, pointed out Midco's ability to create a stable network tailored to meet strict performance requirements. Gutierrez remarked, “Switch selected Midco because of its ability to engineer a creative, resilient network design that meets the customer’s stringent diversity and performance requirements while remaining on schedule in a highly constrained supply environment.”
To achieve the necessary scale and efficiency, Midco is incorporating advanced optical networking solutions from Nokia. This partnership aims to improve the reliability and capacity of Midco's network infrastructure, ultimately meeting the demands of hyperscale data centers and AI applications.
Gutierrez also noted that their customers have clear requirements: “scalable, resilient and future-ready connectivity delivered with precision and accountability.” As AI technologies evolve, a solid infrastructure will be essential for businesses looking to leverage these advancements while maintaining operational continuity.
This partnership between Midco and Switch not only signifies a major investment in AI infrastructure but also paves the way for future collaborations in the growing field of decentralized AI services. The implications of this deal, with its focus on high-capacity transport and network customization, indicate a crucial evolution in supporting AI infrastructure in the years ahead.
The stories that move AI & crypto markets — before the market reacts.
Free. 7am ET. Five stories. 62,400 readers.
