Chorus debuts Express Connect for faster fibre at Datacentre220
Chorus has launched Express Connect, a new fibre connectivity solution for New Zealand's data centre market, with Datacentre220 the first site to offer the service.
The product is designed to deliver high-speed, enterprise-grade connectivity to data centres in as little as four hours. According to Chorus, Express Connect addresses industry concerns about lengthy lead times and the complexities of installing new connections, enabling customers to access carrier-neutral fibre connectivity more quickly and efficiently.
Industry response
Chorus developed Express Connect following feedback from the data centre sector regarding persistent challenges around the speed and simplicity of connectivity instals. The new service, now live at Datacentre220 in Auckland, is reportedly provisioned remotely, meaning it does not require additional physical equipment or on-site technicians. Chorus plans to expand the product to a further 20 data centres nationwide over the coming year.
Mike Shirley, General Manager of Infrastructure at Chorus, outlined the company's motivations for the new solution and future plans in the sector.
"We now understand the needs of the data centre market better and we are taking a different, fresh approach with Express Connect. This is the first step in a roadmap of innovative developments we have planned to support New Zealand's data centre connectivity. Partnering with Datacentre220 as the first site to support this product was certainly the natural choice when looking at their state-of-the-art, strategically located facility."
Datacentre220, described as New Zealand's most connected data centre, is the first to adopt Express Connect, with plans to roll out the service to other sites. Ross Delaney, Chief Executive Officer of Datacentre220, said the new offering represents a significant improvement for customers requiring rapid and reliable access to fibre connectivity.
"Datacentre220 is the most connected data centre in the country, and with Express Connect, we're taking it a step further. Our customers now have even faster access to world-class fibre connectivity that can be turned-on in hours, not days or weeks. With the carrier-neutrality, simplified process and competitive pricing this product promises, it is a game changer for the market."
The demand for data centre services in New Zealand has increased since 2020, driven in part by the entry of hyperscale operators and an increased focus on digital transformation among local organisations. As businesses decentralise their data storage and processing, the speed and simplicity of setting up new connectivity are becoming key factors in operational decision-making.
Market context
Shirley of Chorus suggested that local data centre connectivity remains relatively limited, even as investment in data and digital infrastructure grows. He indicated that Express Connect aims to bridge this gap between rising customer demand and available solutions.
"While interest in building data centres has boomed, the market is still undervalued and underserviced by few connectivity solutions. We believe that as the largest telecommunications infrastructure player, we are best poised to help New Zealand leverage this opportunity. With Express Connect, we looked at the market's pain points, took a simple but elegant approach to deliver what the market needs."
Express Connect's expansion is expected to coincide with increasing adoption among internet service providers, with a target to reach 20 data centre locations across New Zealand within the next twelve months.
Chorus states that its fibre network is integrated into Datacentre220's infrastructure, providing what it describes as a robust foundation for Express Connect's rollout to other locations. The company has signalled further developments ahead as part of its ongoing roadmap to support the country's data centre ecosystem.
