This strategic collaboration leverages EXA’s extensive network capabilities, solidifying Crete as a key neutral interconnection point in the Mediterranean.
This partnership will strengthen the development of Digital Realty's first data center in Crete, HER1, which is expected to be operational by early 2025, with an initial capacity of 1 MW. HER1 will be the first carrier-neutral facility in Crete, filling a significant gap in the region and enabling the interconnection of international and regional subsea cables. This is an important step towards establishing Greece as a strategic connectivity hub, enhancing its role in Southern and Eastern Europe and opening new opportunities for global connections.
“We are excited to expand our collaboration with EXA and contribute to positioning Crete as a central connectivity hub,” said Fabrice Coquio, Vice President and CEO for Europe-Mediterranean at Digital Realty. “By leveraging EXA’s extensive network capabilities, HER1 will bridge critical connectivity gaps in the Mediterranean and further position Greece as a strategic gateway for data transfer between Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and other regions.”
With the growing need for optimized data routes between Europe and other parts of the world, Greece’s geographical location offers a unique strategic advantage. As a gateway to Eastern Europe and other emerging connectivity markets, Crete is strategically positioned to manage large volumes of data flows between regions. HER1 is expected to become a critical interconnection hub for data transfer to and from North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with the potential to evolve into a key cloud and content hub serving these regions from Europe.
Steve Roberts, Vice President of Network Investments and Product Management at EXA, stated: “By enhancing connectivity in Crete, EXA will ensure strong connections between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, linking established hubs such as Marseille with emerging markets such as Rome and Barcelona, meeting the growing demand for reliable and alternative data routes.”
EXA will play a central role as the connectivity provider for HER1, supporting routes from Crete to Athens via various subsea and terrestrial paths, extending connectivity to Eastern and Central Europe, and linking key locations such as Zagreb and Vienna. Additionally, EXA will provide connections between Heraklion and Chania, facilitating interconnection between existing subsea cables and new subsea projects, which will use HER1 as an interconnection hub for data exchange and capacity optimization.
