Business · Companies · 18 hrs ago
Nvidia considers turning Brightspeed telecom sites into AI data centers
Nvidia is considering converting more than 130 Brightspeed properties into small AI data centers across as many as 20 US states.
Brightspeed is a broadband operator backed by Apollo Global Management, whose properties include older telephone and telecom buildings.
Nvidia has reportedly sent Brightspeed a proposal and asked for information and site visits, but the companies have not publicly confirmed a deal.
The sites could together offer about one gigawatt of electrical capacity for computing equipment.
Unlike huge facilities used to train AI models, these sites would run models that have already been trained, potentially closer to customers and existing networks.
Reusing telecom buildings could avoid some obstacles involved in building from scratch, but upgrades, local approvals and the cost of maintaining older equipment remain challenges.
Nvidia has reportedly discussed starting renovations with suppliers in the first quarter of 2027, using systems based on its upcoming Vera Rubin platform, but the number of sites and their customers are unknown.
Nvidia is reportedly considering converting more than 130 Brightspeed telecom properties into small AI data centers.
The proposed sites could span as many as 20 states and have about 1 gigawatt of electrical capacity.
Nvidia has reportedly contacted Apollo Global Management, which backs Brightspeed, and sent Brightspeed a written proposal.
The facilities would reportedly form an inference network for running AI models that have already been trained.
The number of sites, commercial terms, equipment ownership and eventual customers have not been confirmed.
- Who
- Nvidia is considering the plan with Brightspeed and its backer, Apollo Global Management.
- What
- The proposal is to convert telecom properties into small AI data centers.
- When
- Nvidia reportedly recently sent Brightspeed a written proposal. Renovations could begin in the first quarter of 2027.
- Where
- Brightspeed properties across as many as 20 US states.
- Why
- The sites could provide existing infrastructure and computing capacity closer to customers and networks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Nvidia reportedly sent Brightspeed a written proposal and requested information and opportunities to inspect sites.
Nvidia has reportedly discussed beginning renovations with suppliers.
- Properties
- More than 130 Brightspeed sites under consideration
- Potential reach
- As many as 20 US states
- Electrical capacity
- Approximately 1 gigawatt
- Proposed start
- First quarter of 2027
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