As AI Data Center Demand Peaks in 2026, Chief Telecom Blueprints Fourth Data Center
Driven by the global surge in data center demand catalyzed by Generative AI, Chief Telecom (CHIEF) announced the utilization rate of its LY2 Lianyun Intelligent AI Data Center has surpassed 60%. The facility is projected to reach full capacity within the next two to three years, prompting the simultaneous launch of an evaluation plan for Chief’s fourth IDC facility.
The company has designated 2026 as its critical transformation pivot point. Chief Telecom will upgrade from a conventional telecommunications carrier into an “AI Enable Platform” hub, evolving into a comprehensive AI, cloud, and data integration services provider.
Jerry Shau, Chairman of Chief Telecom, stated that the specific location and specifications for the fourth IDC are subject to Board approval, with a more definitive announcement expected in the first or second quarter of this year. Site selection criteria will be strictly aligned with market demand and Chief’s “Triple Fiber Network Connectivity” network architecture, with power supply serving as a mission-critical evaluation factor.
Chief’s AI Enable Platform Synthesizes Compute Application Blueprint
Chief Telecom’s objective for the new fiscal year is to transform into a comprehensive AI, cloud, and data company. This strategic evolution encompasses its Triple Fiber Network Connectivity (Taipei Ring, Taiwan Ring, and International Ring), the LY2 Lianyun Intelligent AI Data Center, AI compute and its applications, SD-WAN and cyber security services, the Chief Cloud eXchange (CCX) hub, expansion of CCX and cloud partner ecosystems, scaling of TPIX (Taipei Internet Exchange), enrichment of network and telecom resources, the IDC Campus, an iconic roster of domestic and international clients, the ASEAN Silicon Valley East Asia (ASEA) alliance, the Chief Ecosystem, and intelligent health services.
Reflecting on trends within the AI industry, Chairman Shau pointed out that AI has evolved beyond a pure competition of raw computing power into the phase of AI Agent applications, where various vertical industries will develop highly customized AI services. Chief Telecom has already initiated AI Proof of Concept (POC) projects across its internal departments, aiming to productize these successful experiences into commercialized enterprise AI services. To achieve this, Chief Telecom is integrating its private network and data center infrastructure to launch the “Chief Enable AI Platform” in the second quarter. By interconnecting top-tier AI hardware and software partners, the platform will deliver localized AI integrated services and turnkey, out-of-the-box solutions. Furthermore, it will utilize dedicated hardware architectures to satisfy enterprise mandates for privacy and data sovereignty, successfully carving out a robust second growth curve for the company.
Chief’s AI Enable Platform
Triple Fiber Network Connectivity Enhances Cross-Border and International Connectivity
At the infrastructure layer, Chief Telecom’s Triple Fiber Network Connectivity breaks through domestic and international geographical barriers, focusing sharply on data, AI, and cloud application services. This framework comprises the Taipei Ring (fiber-optic rings interconnecting Chief Telecom’s IDCs), the Taiwan Ring (fiber-optic infrastructure linking six major metropolitan areas), the International Ring (high-speed bandwidth connecting Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore), and the International Submarine Cable Center (delivering direct connectivity to the United States, Europe, East Asia, and China).
Concurrently, Chief Telecom continuously collaborates with global carriers across China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, India, and the United States to expand its international network capabilities. To date, Chief Telecom has architected over 10 international submarine cable landing stations and managed more than 40 global network service routes, covering over 60 cities and enabling seamless interconnection with the resources of more than 1,200 international and regional carriers.
In the Taiwan market, Chief Telecom commands multiple critical infrastructure advantages, solidifying its position as:
- Taiwan’s first independently operated, carrier-neutral data center provider.
- Taiwan’s premier Internet Exchange center (TPIX).
- Taiwan’s primary gateway for public cloud exchange platforms (CCX).
- Taiwan’s leading international submarine cable gateway.
