Arelion, a global internet carrier, has revealed plans to expand its network in Marseille, France, by establishing a new network Point-of-Presence (PoP) at the MRS4 data center. This addition will complement Arelion’s existing PoP at Digital Realty’s MRS1 location, enhancing connectivity options for cloud and network service providers, as well as hyperscalers, through fully diverse IP connectivity and scalable 400G wavelength solutions.

This expansion aims to improve performance by providing alternative paths, thereby circumventing congested routes in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive and busy.

The newly established network PoP will enable Arelion to cater to the rising demands of Marseille’s rapidly evolving technology sector. The city has emerged as one of Europe’s fastest-growing hubs for intercontinental traffic, drawing significant investment in data centers and subsea cable infrastructure, thus positioning itself as a key nexus for global data and content distribution.

With the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud services, and content delivery networks, Marseille’s significance as a digital gateway has escalated. It now stands as the ninth-largest hub worldwide for data and content exchange, supported by a solid ecosystem of data centers and over 150 terabits per second (Tbps) of submarine cable capacity.

Arelion’s network expansion in Marseille is set to connect directly to 14 major subsea cables, facilitating global traffic flows from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Improved Transatlantic Connectivity

The new network PoP will also grant local access to important data center markets across Europe, including Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, and Paris. Moreover, it will enhance transatlantic connectivity via additional subsea cables through Portugal, Bordeaux, and Milan. This network PoP is anticipated to be operational in the first quarter of 2025, significantly bolstering Arelion’s capacity to manage international traffic in the region.

Christoph Lannert, Deputy Chief Commercial Officer at Arelion, underscored the significance of this expansion. “There’s a massive demand for reliable connectivity to support Marseille’s vibrant technology markets as the region evolves into a digital hub for global Internet traffic, content, and cloud applications,” stated Mr. Lannert. He stressed that Arelion’s new network PoP will be crucial in addressing the technological needs of local operators and content providers, enabling subsea traffic while fostering economic growth through digital transformation.

This network expansion provides Arelion’s customers with access to its well-regarded global Internet backbone, alongside a comprehensive range of connectivity services. These include scalable IP Transit, Wavelengths, Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), Cloud Connect, Global 40G Ethernet Virtual Circuits (VC), and DDoS Mitigation services. By enhancing its infrastructure in Marseille, Arelion is well-positioned to support not only local network operators but also international content and cloud service providers seeking reliable, high-capacity connectivity solutions to advance their digital initiatives.

Arelion’s investment in this new Point of Presence (PoP) will further solidify Marseille’s role as a crucial junction for global connectivity.