Meta Commits $6B to Corning Fiber Optic Supply for AI Data Centers Through 2030

Meta (META) announced a long-term agreement with Corning (GLW) on January 27, committing up to $6 billion through 2030 to purchase fiber optic cables for its AI data center network expansion. The deal underscores intensifying competition for critical infrastructure supplies as tech giants scale AI investments. Corning is expanding its Hickory, North Carolina fiber factory to meet surging demand from Meta, Nvidia, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. The company reported Q3 optical communications revenue jumped 33% YoY to $1.65 billion, with enterprise sales surging 58% due to generative AI demand. Meta is building 30 AI data centers, with 26 in the U.S., including two major facilities in Ohio and Louisiana that will use Corning's fiber. Corning CEO Wendell Weeks acknowledged cyclical risks but emphasized structural long-term demand growth, estimating 7% annual fiber expansion. The company developed "Contour" fiber specifically for AI data centers to increase density and reduce energy consumption.