Data Center POST had the opportunity to engage with Mike Underdown, CEO and President of Crosstown Fiber. As a seasoned executive with nearly 30 years in the telecommunications infrastructure industry under his belt, Mike offers insights on how Crosstown Fiber can provide flexible infrastructure to meet the ever-growing demand for fiber. Join us in hearing Mike’s unique views by reading the interview below ahead of the upcoming annual PTC’24 Conference.
Data Center Post (DCP) Question: PTC’s Annual Conference is a strategic springboard for the global communications industry, and this year is no different. How is your business addressing AI needs, keeping in mind the upcoming rules and risks associated with AI?
Mike Underdown (MU) Answer: Crosstown Fiber’s infrastructure supports the needs that AI will utilize for speed, security, and efficiency. Our dark fiber is the optimal choice for transporting the complex and data-intensive workload of AI to data centers. As AI and Machine Learning (ML) technologies continue to evolve and redefine the limits of innovation, the demand for a robust, secure, and adaptable network infrastructure escalates. Dark fiber rises to this challenge, offering unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and security features.
DCP Q: At PTC’24 there will be a few sessions focusing on the status and opportunities in the telecom market. From telecom equipment, services, and wireless communication, which area of the industry does your company focus on, and where do you see the industry heading in the next 5-10 years?
MU A: Crosstown Fiber will focus on developing the design and construction of state-of-the-art optic network infrastructure and conduit systems. To meet the rising demand for fiber, we will build networks capable of handling the high-capacity bandwidth needed to reach data centers, global hyperscale, and enterprise customers.
DCP Q: At PTC’24, on January 23, 2024, the Infrastructure Builders panel will discuss how the world will look in 2033 (10 years), when we are one-third of the way through the digital century. How are you approaching projects and planning for future growth with the shifting utilization of digital infrastructure?
MU A: As Crosstown Fiber expands its network it ensures connectivity and network solutions for a diverse range of industry and customer-specific requirements. The enlarged fiber infrastructure enables cloud and hyperscale providers to tailor their networks to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and alignment with specific operational needs. This in turn will offer industries customizable, flexible, and technologically adaptable infrastructure to meet their future needs.
DCP Q: What core markets do you operate in and what are the key opportunities / challenges in these markets and how are you adapting to address them?
MU A: Crosstown Fiber is a fiber-optic infrastructure specialist that designs, manages, and operates a 100% sub-surface network, offering unique routes and strategic alternative paths between data centers, universities, artificial intelligence, government agencies, and other organizations. We are constantly adapting to the ever-changing needs of the rising demands for dark fiber by offering a customizable and flexible infrastructure. In a world where data is the new currency, dark fiber is the vault that keeps it secure and accessible.
DCP Q: PTC’24 is the 46th annual PTC Conference. During this four-day event, how can people meet or learn more about you (or after PTC’24)?
MU A: I welcome people to connect with me on LinkedIn – you can reach me here. I also encourage people to visit our website: www.crosstownfiber.com
DCP Q: What else would you like for our readers to know that you haven’t already shared about your company?
MU A: Dark fiber is more than just a theoretical asset; it’s a transformative force already shaping our world. From the smart cities of tomorrow to the healthcare systems of today, dark fiber’s durable, secure, and high-speed network is the backbone that makes these innovations possible. For those looking to navigate this complex landscape, Crosstown Fiber offers custom-designed, wholly-owned fiber optic networks that are secure, reliable, and scalable.
If you want to learn more about PTC’24, please visit: www.ptc.org/ptc24. The event takes place January 21-24, 2024 in Honolulu, HI – registration is still open for those interested in attending.
To meet with Crosstown Fiber at PTC’24 you can request a meeting here.
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