The future of Network Acquisition 2025
Connectivity Across Northeast Asia is rapidly advancing with accelerated cloud adoption, AI deployment, 5G expansion, and growing hyperscaler investments—reshaping the region’s digital infrastructure to fast-track connectivity that is bigger, better, and faster than ever before.
Korea Focus Intelligence dives into the groundbreaking mergers and acquisitions that are reshaping the connectivity landscape. It explores the consolidation of private and hyperscaler-led network acquisitions and how these shifts are accelerating the move toward cloud-centric and edge-driven networks. The forum also examines the growing 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, Korea Focus Intelligence hosts regular hybrid events and networking sessions aimed at building a dynamic community to share industry insights. Here, the Focus Intelligence forum helps transform Korea’s digital infrastructure landscape by addressing key challenges and uncovering new possibilities within the connectivity ecosystem.
Each sector will feature its own dedicated session, bringing together experts and decision-makers to discuss sector-specific hurdles and explore practical strategies to overcome them.
Our Sessions
Industry Outlook for Connectivity Across the Northeast Asia
9:00am - 9:30am
South Korea is strategically expanding its role as a cross-border digital interconnection hub, driven by increasing demand for low-latency data exchange across Northeast Asia and beyond.
Key Developments in Cross-Border Connectivity:
a. Busan is emerging as a key landing point and data transit node, connecting Korea to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia.
b. Ongoing investment in carrier-neutral cable landing stations (CLS) and Internet Exchanges (IXs).
c. Proximity to Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong makes it an ideal gateway for multinational enterprises and hyperscale platforms.
d. Google, AWS, Microsoft, Alibaba Cloud are investing in new points-of-presence (PoPs) and peering strategies in Korea to support cross-border enterprise services.
e. Increased demand for private interconnects via colocation players like Equinix Korea, KINX, and KT IDC.
AI-Driven Network Acquisitions: The Future of Smart M&A in Connectivity
9:30am - 10:00am
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
10:00am-10:30am
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
10:30am - 11:00am
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
11:00am - 11:30am
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
11:30am - 12:00pm
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.