Digital Realty has announced the activation of a point of presence (PoP) in collaboration with EXA Infrastructure (EXA) to bring enhanced connectivity solutions to Crete.
The partnership will support the development of Digital Realty’s first data center in Crete, HER1 – scheduled to become operational in early 2025 with an expected initial capacity of 1 MW.
HER1 will serve as the first carrier-neutral facility in Crete, with intentions of addressing a significant gap in the region by allowing international and regional subsea cables to interconnect, a transformative step toward making Greece a major connectivity hub for Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as regions beyond.
Fabrice Coquio, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Europe Med, Digital Realty, said: “By leveraging EXA’s extensive network capabilities, HER1 will not only bridge critical connectivity gaps in the Mediterranean but also further position Greece as a strategic gateway for data traffic between Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and beyond.”
Steve Roberts, Senior Vice President Network Investment and Product Management, EXA, said: commented: “Strengthening Crete’s connectivity landscape, EXA will deliver robust connectivity between Eastern and Western Mediterranean.”
Extending connectivity further into Eastern and Central Europe, including key locations such as Zagreb and Vienna, EXA will also offer network links between Heraklion and Chania on Crete using HER1 as an interconnection facility to exchange traffic and optimize capacities.
