Capturing value in the new connect and compute domain of growth

How we connect and compute

Reinventing infrastructure for the 21st century

AI, software and intelligence touch every part of our lives. And they're the key to an organisation's success. At the core is a digital infrastructure: the AI grid.

This ecosystem is expanding rapidly. From hyperscale datacentres and edge infrastructure to public broadband, enterprise networks and satellites—companies are transforming and finding new ways to work together.

A new domain of growth is emerging as demand for computing power and connectivity surges and capacity falls short.

Priorities are clear: replace outdated infrastructure, update datacentres, shift cable networks to fibre and fixed wireless access, and manage ongoing satellite renewal.

We’ll help you unlock value in this new domain.

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How to win in the Connect and compute domain

Our focus | Your priority

Datacentres

The world needs more datacentres––urgently. Global investment is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2029.

Meeting this demand requires managing many moving parts, from initiating projects and securing financing to obtaining permits and providing power.

With current capacity stretched thin, new thinking is essential: exploring new locations, adopting new models and repurposing existing infrastructure.

Datacentre providers are ready to move up the value chain, transitioning from basic rentals to advanced AI and cloud solutions.

Passive infrastructure

Demand for fast, reliable networks is surging. Building the physical network—fibre, towers, cables and wireless—will require more than $300 billion a year over the next decade and beyond.

These networks will need to be much faster, shifting to low or ultra-low latency to support real-time services such as autonomous vehicles.

Putting powerful compute into the hands of users will require significant investment to strengthen and densify last-mile connectivity.

Tomorrow’s AI grid will depend on bold plays that unlock the scalable capacity essential for the future.

Satellite communications

Satellites play a vital role in connecting underserved people in inaccessible places. They also provide networks of last resort in extreme circumstances.

Rapid innovation in space technologies is reimagining what’s possible. There are implications for every industry—from logistics and transport to agriculture and defence— opening new markets and delivering new revenue streams.

Power and sustainable energy

Connect and compute’s share of global power consumption is rising. In the US alone, datacentres will use an extra 5000 MW in 2025—about 1% of the country’s annual national use.

Meeting this demand is a huge and ongoing challenge. Access to renewable energy like wind and solar will guide the development of new facilities.

In an always-on world, grid distribution, capacity and smart management are key. Adaptable storage and advanced energy solutions such as battery infrastructure and green hydrogen will be critical.

Smarter AI systems in datacentres can optimise load balancing. More efficient chips will reduce the need for power and cooling. More efficient chips will reduce the need for power and cooling. The very technology driving this energy demand might provide the key to managing it.

Government and sovereignty

Data sovereignty is high on government agendas. Territories, nations and enterprises are competing for their share of the huge investment in digital infrastructure. How and where data is governed will be a key consideration nationally and regionally.

We'll see rising international competition––and tension––between the drive for national control and the need for global connectivity. This will involve constant rebalancing as governments and economic blocs build local capacity and expertise in line with their own digital agendas.