Driving Growth and Security in U.S. Data Centers: A Comprehensive Overview
Bolstering Data Center Growth, Resilience, and Security
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently hosted a listening session titled “Bolstering Data Center Growth, Resilience, and Security.” The session built on NTIA’s 2024 request for comment and gathered input from industry, academia, and civil society experts to inform an upcoming report with actionable policy recommendations. Patrick Lozada, Director of Global Policy at the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), outlined key issues impacting U.S. data centers, including broadband infrastructure, workforce development, voluntary standards, data center certifications, and subsea cables. He also addressed the Build America Buy America (BABA) provision in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and shared policy actions and recommendations to bolster America’s digital infrastructure.
Broadband and Spectrum Innovation
High-speed broadband infrastructure is a prerequisite for efficient data center operation. High-capacity fiber optic cables form the backbone of connectivity, enabling rapid, reliable transmission of petabytes of data between facilities and end users. Innovations in spectrum policy and wireless technology are enabling new connectivity models that can complement fiber deployments. These approaches help extend service reach, support redundancy, and expand connectivity options for data centers and their customers. Although broadband availability clearly drives demand for data center–enabled services, 19.6 million Americans still lack broadband access according to the FCC.
Workforce Development: Broadband Nation
Meeting the demand for reliable, high-speed connectivity requires a skilled workforce capable of deploying, maintaining, and upgrading broadband networks. The U.S. currently faces a critical shortage of trained fiber and broadband technicians, an issue that could slow broadband expansion and limit data center growth. To help address this shortage, TIA and Questex launched Broadband Nation, a nationwide effort built around three core elements: a career development portal, a national brand campaign, and academic partnerships.
Voluntary Standards and ANSI/TIA-942 Certification
Voluntary consensus standards help ensure the reliability, efficiency, and security of data centers. As an ANSI-accredited standards development organization, TIA has published numerous standards used worldwide to design, build, and operate these facilities. Examples include the ANSI/TIA-568 series for fiber and copper cabling; ANSI/TIA-569-E for ICT pathways; ANSI/TIA-606-D for labeling; and ANSI/TIA-607-E for grounding and bonding. At the center of TIA’s portfolio is ANSI/TIA-942, the globally recognized standard for reliable design and operations of data center infrastructure. It defines four rated levels of reliability and availability.
