The future of Network Acquisition 2025 2025
Connectivity Across the Greater Bay Area (GBA) is rapidly evolving through accelerated cloud adoption, AI deployment, 5G rollout, and increasing hyperscaler investments—shaping the city’s digital infrastructure to become bigger, better, and faster. As a leading hub in the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong is at the forefront of driving innovation and cross-border connectivity in the region.
Hong Kong Focus Intelligence dives into the groundbreaking mergers and acquisitions that are reshaping the connectivity landscape, exploring the consolidation of private and hyperscaler-led network acquisitions and how they accelerate the shift toward cloud-centric and edge networks. It also examines the rising importance of subsea and cross-border interconnections in an increasingly globalized digital world.
As a high-level forum for telecom, subsea, peering, and network acquisition professionals, Hong Kong Focus Intelligence hosts regular hybrid forums and networking events with the aim of building an eclectic community for sharing industry insights. Here, the Focus Intelligence forum redefines the future of digital infrastructure by addressing key challenges and uncovering new possibilities within the connectivity vortex.
Each sector will have its own dedicated session, bringing together experts and decision-makers to discuss sector-specific hurdles and develop practical strategies to overcome them.
Our Sessions
Industry Outlook for Connectivity Across the Greater Bay Area (GBA)
The Greater Bay Area (GBA)—encompassing Hong Kong, Macau, and nine mainland cities in Guangdong (including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai)—is one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies. As a key hub for finance, technology, and innovation, GBA is witnessing major investments in 5G, cloud interconnects, subsea networks, and AI-driven connectivity.
Key Developments in Cross-Border Connectivity:
a. Hong Kong-Shenzhen-Guangzhou interconnect growth
b. Hong Kong is the primary internet exit point for China’s global data traffic.
c. Expansion of direct interconnects between Hong Kong & Shenzhen financial sectors.
d. China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile enhancing cross-border cloud interconnects.
e. Tencent & Alibaba investing in AI-powered interconnect hubs between GBA cities.
AI-Driven Network Acquisitions: The Future of Smart M&A in Connectivity
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing network acquisitions, making the process faster, more efficient, and data-driven. AI-driven network acquisitions leverage automation, machine learning, and predictive analytics to enhance decision-making, integration, and long-term performance.
How?
a. AI-powered analytics will play a larger role in assessing network value, potential bottlenecks, and cybersecurity risks before acquisition?
b. AI and machine learning will help integrate acquired networks more seamlessly, reducing downtime and optimizing performance?
c. AI will be used to forecast demand and determine which networks or assets are best positioned for acquisition?
Shift Towards Cloud-Centric & Edge Networks
As enterprises, hyperscalers, and telecom operators seek faster, more scalable, and low-latency connectivity, acquisitions are focusing on cloud interconnects, edge data centers, and software-defined networking (SDN).
How?
a. Network acquisitions will increasingly focus on providers with strong cloud interconnect capabilities.
b. As latency reduction becomes a priority, companies will acquire edge networks and micro data centers to ensure faster data processing at local levels.
c. Software-defined networking acquisitions will grow as companies move towards more flexible, software-driven infrastructure.
Private & Hyperscaler-Led Acquisitions: The Future of Network Consolidation
The rise of private investors and hyperscalers (e.g., Alibaba, Bytedance and Tencent) in network acquisitions is reshaping global connectivity. These acquisitions focus on strategic control over digital infrastructure, including fiber networks, subsea cables, edge computing, and private 5G.
How?
a. Hyperscalers need direct control over network infrastructure to provide faster, more reliable cloud services.
b. Owning networks reduces bandwidth costs for cloud service providers.
c. Hyperscalers are acquiring subsea cables and interconnect hubs to lower latency and bypass telcos.
Growing Role of Subsea & Cross-Border Interconnects
The increasing demand for low-latency, high-bandwidth global connectivity is driving subsea and cross-border interconnect acquisitions. With the explosion of cloud computing, AI workloads, and 5G expansion, hyperscalers, telecom firms, and private investors are aggressively investing in subsea cables and interconnect hubs to control digital trade routes.
How?
a. Global data traffic growth will drive acquisitions of subsea cable networks for enhanced international connectivity.
b. Countries and corporations will acquire networks in strategic regions, such as Batam, Johor, Okinawa, to strengthen interconnect hubs.
c. Governments will impose stricter rules on network acquisitions due to data sovereignty concerns.
Rise of Sustainable & Green Network Acquisitions: The Future of Eco-Friendly Connectivity
The demand for sustainable and energy-efficient network infrastructure is driving a new wave of green acquisitions in the telecom, data center, and subsea cable industries. Companies are prioritizing low-carbon, renewable-powered, and energy-efficient networks to align with corporate ESG goals, regulatory mandates, and customer demand for greener digital infrastructure.
How?
a. Companies will prioritize acquiring networks with sustainable infrastructure (renewable-powered data centers, low-carbon fiber optics).
b. Regulatory pressures will drive acquisitions of companies with strong environmental compliance and energy-efficient operations.