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Heartland Fiber Project to expand Denver-to-Chicago network
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 15, 2026//
Three regional fiber providers plan to invest $700 million in a new long-haul fiber network spanning seven states, including Colorado, to support growing demand from AI data centers and high-capacity connectivity.
Denver-based DCN, along with Range and WIN Technology, announced the Heartland Fiber Project on Friday. The project will add about 2,000 miles of fiber infrastructure connecting Denver and Chicago through Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.
The companies said the network is intended to increase capacity, resiliency and flexibility as artificial intelligence drives higher demand for data transmission between hyperscale data centers.
The project includes high fiber-count infrastructure and conduit for future expansion. Construction is expected to begin this summer, with deployment over the next one to two years.
Artificial intelligence and hyperscale computing have increased demand for regions with available land, power access and cooler climates that can improve energy efficiency for data centers, according to the companies.
“The Heartland Fiber Project is a game-changer for North Dakota and the entire region,” said Seth Arndorfer, CEO of DCN. “It will ensure that we can meet the needs of businesses, including hyperscalers, looking to invest in our state as well as continuing to serve current customers with resilient, high-capacity infrastructure.”
Rob Johnstone, CEO of Range, said the partnership allows the companies to expand network scale and resiliency more efficiently together than independently.
The companies said the expanded network will support customers in sectors including healthcare, education, government, finance, manufacturing, wireless and wholesale telecommunications.
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