Article

In September 2025, Microsoft Azure announced plans to scale its hollow core fiber (HCF) production by partnering with Corning and Heraeus. This initiative aims to enhance high-capacity fiber technology, driven by advancements in speed, bandwidth, and power efficiency.

Testing conducted over 1,200 km of HCF achieved a record low transmission loss of 0.091 dB/km, significantly improving data center connectivity. Azure plans to expand its HCF network by an additional 15,000 km within 24 months to support AI and cloud workloads.

Recent tests conducted by Scala Data Centers, Lightera, and Nokia in Sao Paulo demonstrated a 32% reduction in latency using AccuCore HCF. Despite its potential, HCF technology faces challenges in handling, splicing, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Industry players are exploring solutions to standardize testing methods and address these challenges as HCF technology evolves.