ORLANDO, Fla. and MILAN, March 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prysmian has entered into a trailblazing long-term partnership agreement with Relativity Networks, the leading at-scale provider of next-generation fiber-optic technology, for volume production of the hollow-core optical fiber and cable in demand by operators of the data centers required for the AI economy.
The enormous demands for electric power to handle AI-ready data processing has created a potential bottleneck in the construction of new data centers. Relativity Networks' patent-pending hollow-core fiber (HCF) technology, together with Prysmian's best-in-class fiber-optic cables, is addressing that problem by enabling cloud-computing hyperscalers to locate data centers closer to the sources of power — whether conventional electric utilities or green-energy providers.
This collaboration will see Prysmian and Relativity Networks co-manufacture fiber and cable based on Relativity Networks' HCF technology, which was developed in collaboration with the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida. Leveraging Prysmian's global manufacturing expertise, the companies will work together to seamlessly transition the industry to hollow-core fiber technology, meeting the growing demands of data centers worldwide. In addition, Relativity Networks will provide connectors and hardware that ensure compatibility with existing fiber-optic interfaces.
Hollow-core fiber transmits data nearly 50% faster when compared with the conventional fiber-optic cable long in use by the data industry, and enables data to travel 1.5 times farther without impacting the latency that can throw intricate multi-location data operations and applications out of sync. While traditional fiber-optic cables typically limit data centers to within 60 kilometers (37 miles) of power providers — or to one another — due to latency constraints, hollow-core fiber technology extends this range to 90 kilometers (56 miles).
For over 30 years, Prysmian's optical fiber solutions have led the industry, setting standards for quality, reliability, and high-volume data management. The company's manufacturing expertise–built on decades of developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art optical fiber–combined with its global leadership in communications and energy solutions, positions the company to play a central role in meeting this pressing demand.
"Prysmian has long been a global champion in setting the standard in the field of fiber optics, and our cutting-edge solutions are always evolving to meet the demands of our customers," said Prysmian Executive Vice President Digital Solutions Frederick Persson. "This, combined with Relativity Networks' technology, will enable both our companies to lead the global market for hollow-core fiber well into the future - a hugely significant area of focus as we work to accelerate in order to meet the demands emerging from data centers and AI applications worldwide."
Relativity Networks has already gained significant traction among hyperscalers eager to adopt hollow-core fiber at scale. This strategic agreement between Prysmian and Relativity Networks will ensure the large-scale manufacturing necessary to meet the rising demand for advanced optical fiber and cable solutions for data centers across the U.S. and globally.
"This deal is a big breakthrough for the entire industry who has been demanding HCF cables," said Relativity Networks founder and CEO Jason Eichenholz. "It will enable us to meet a seemingly insatiable demand by hyperscalers for hollow-core fiber technology. With Prysmian, a recognized leader in communications and energy cable systems, we will better address the telecommunications and data center markets and provide the builders of AI-driven data centers the capabilities they've been clamouring for. The AI economy requires hollow-core fiber. This partnership enables our companies, together, to be the leading global provider of this vital technology."
As part of this long-term partnership, Prysmian will manufacture Relativity Networks' HCF fiber at a dedicated facility located in Prysmian's production center in Eindhoven, Netherlands. This strategic production site will enable the companies to meet the growing global demand for innovative optical fiber solutions, ensuring that data centers and AI applications benefit from cutting-edge fiber-optic technology.
For more information, visit www.relativitynetworks.ai and www.prysmian.com
Relativity Networks
Relativity Networks is the leading at-scale Hollow Core Fiber provider that has greatly accelerated the speed of light in fiber optics. By replacing glass with air, the company has created technology that allows data to move nearly 50% faster and farther without unacceptable delays, addressing the critical power challenges of today, including the need for higher performing data centers in the age of AI. Hyperscalers rely on Relativity Networks to provide the geographic flexibility to build data centers closer to where power is available while meeting exacting data-transmission latency (time lag) requirements. Relativity Networks' HCF and connectivity solutions integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure, unlocking immediate expansion options beyond power-constrained urban grids. For more information, visit www.relativitynetworks.ai.
Prysmian
Prysmian is a global cable solutions provider leading the energy transition and digital transformation. By leveraging its wide geographical footprint and extensive product range, its track record of technological leadership and innovation, and a strong customer base, the company is well-placed to capitalise on its leading positions and win in new, growing markets. Prysmian's business strategy perfectly matches key market drivers by developing resilient, high-performing, sustainable and innovative cable solutions in the segments of Transmission, Power Grid, Electrification and Digital Solutions. Prysmian is a public company listed on the Italian Stock Exchange, with almost 150 years of experience, over 33,000 employees, 107 plants and 27 R&D centres in over 50 countries, and sales of over €17 billion in 2024.
SOURCE Relativity Networks
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