Digital infrastructure is the base of cloud services, AI work, and modern data centers. As more people use digital services around the world, businesses need stable connections, networks that can grow, and secure systems. This includes data centers, cloud platforms, network equipment, and telecom technology that keep digital services working well every day.
At the same time, the digital infrastructure market is growing very fast. Based on data from Mordor Intelligence, the market reached USD 360 billion in 2025. Looking ahead, experts expect it to grow to USD 1.06 trillion by 2030. This means the market grows by 24.10% each year. Therefore, strong and reliable connectivity is very important for the global economy.
How does digital infrastructure support business?
Digital infrastructure helps businesses run well by supporting data storage, data transfer, and digital applications. Data centers keep servers and storage safe. Networks, like fiber cables, 5G, and satellites, send data between places. Cloud systems give computing power that can grow or shrink when needed. AI processors do hard tasks that need fast computing. Management software keeps everything working correctly.
Businesses set up digital infrastructure in different ways. Some keep systems in their own buildings to have more control. Others use shared data centers to save money and set up faster. Many use cloud services like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud for easy access. Some combine these ways to save cost and get better results.
What drives digital infrastructure growth?
There are several key factors that push digital infrastructure expansion forward. It includes:
- Hyperscale and edge data centers: These data centers are growing fast to meet higher demand. They are very large and often need 100 MW or more of electricity.
- Cloud adoption: Many companies use cloud services to scale their operations. This allows them to add resources when needed. It also reduces the need to buy expensive equipment early.
- 5G networks and fiber cables: 5G and fiber networks increase internet speed and bandwidth. To support this growth, the U.S. has invested USD 42.45 billion in internet expansion.
- AI and machine learning: AI and machine learning need advanced processors and strong cooling systems. These requirements make infrastructure 15–25% more expensive than traditional systems.
Challenges in digital infrastructure industry
The industry is growing fast, but it still faces big challenges. One major issue is energy use. The previous research above also shows that data centers may use up to 9.1% of U.S. electricity by 2030. At the same time, AI systems need much more power. They use 10 to 20 times more energy than normal applications.
Another challenge is water use. Data centers need cooling, so they use about 6.75 million gallons of water per MW each year. Because of this, some regions limit water use for industry. As a result, many operators now choose cooling systems that use little or no water.
In addition, data privacy rules create more pressure. Laws like the EU’s GDPR say data must stay inside the country. This means companies must build separate systems in different regions. These rules increase costs, with compliance expenses growing by 8–12% every year.
Connecting southeast asia’s digital future
As digital infrastructure grows in Southeast Asia, reliable connectivity becomes very important. To meet this need, ARNet owns and operates over 10,000 km of AI-grade fiber network across the region. Through this network, our dark fiber connects more than 60 data centers in four key countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
ARNet is one of the few regional providers that fully owns and manages all important fiber licenses in these markets. This allows faster network rollout and more consistent service quality.
As a result, we deliver a strong SLA through continuous monitoring. We can detect and fix problems before they affect services. Whether businesses need campus connectivity, metro fiber, or cross-border links, ARNet offers solutions tailored to their needs. To learn more, visit our website to see how our dark fiber network supports the growth of digital infrastructure across Southeast Asia.
About the Author
Nabila Choirunnisa, Digital Marketing Executive at ARNet