Telecom Operators Bet on AI Infrastructure Through Data Centers, GPUs, and Fiber
Airtel, SK Telecom, Ooredoo, Orange, and Deutsche Telekom are each pursuing different models for AI-related infrastructure, from data centers and GPU services to fiber links. Airtel's Nxtra unit announced a $1 billion funding round involving Alpha Wave, Carlyle, Anchorage, and Airtel itself, with plans to grow from roughly 300 MW toward 1 GW. SK Telecom restructured SK Broadband to form SK Horizon for data-center and submarine-cable operations, while Verizon illustrates how carriers can earn from networks serving large tech companies' data centers.
Airtel's Nxtra unit drew outside capital from Alpha Wave Global, Carlyle and Anchorage Capital alongside its own contribution, valuing the business near $3.1 billion while Airtel kept control. Its roughly 300 MW footprint spans 14 core sites and over 120 edge locations, with a 1 GW ambition.
SK Telecom's restructuring of SK Broadband created SK Horizon, backed by KKR and an IMM Investment-Stonebridge consortium committing KRW 3.08 trillion combined. SKT would hold 51 percent once all phases close, with the vehicle covering eight operating data centers and projects under construction totaling 318 MW.
Carriers moving into data centers, GPU services and fiber could reshape how AI capacity is financed and located, potentially bringing compute closer to more regions. Businesses and public-sector customers may gain more hosting options, while energy use, land demand and pricing in host communities could draw scrutiny. Workers with networking and facilities skills may see new roles, though benefits depend on whether announced projects are actually built and leased. How much of this reaches everyday users remains uncertain.