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In the latest datacenterHawk podcast, Founder and CEO David Liggitt and VP of Sales & Marketing Mike Netzer unpacked key takeaways from the Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) conference. Their discussion highlighted a maturing market facing rising demand, financing challenges, and the need for stronger community relations.

Here are the five trends shaping the future of digital infrastructure:

Pricing has surged 50-75% over the last three to four years due to a supply-constrained market. Higher construction costs, extended timelines, and power shortages are driving these increases. Companies now pay premiums for speed to market, with nuanced pricing structures becoming the norm. End users often pitch in with supply chain resources or capital, making understanding true "all-in" costs critical.

As project sizes balloon, traditional debt markets are adapting. Rising interest rates and stricter underwriting have paved the way for private credit markets. These offer developers alternative financing while filtering out less-prepared entrants. Access to capital is now a key differentiator, as end users prioritize developers with the resources to complete large-scale projects.

Market demand has skyrocketed, with datacenterHawk tracking 15.5 GW of North American leasing in 2025, up from 6.8 GW in 2024. While hyperscalers once dominated, AI and high-performance computing users are now signing leases for hundreds of megawatts. However, power delivery delays could hinder actual absorption despite strong demand.

Constraints in major markets like Northern Virginia and Dallas are pushing development into secondary and tertiary regions. Remote areas with available power are emerging as new hubs. However, rural locations often lack infrastructure like roads and utilities, making development more complex. Developers are also repurposing distressed assets in major cities to secure space.

Community pushback is a growing challenge as data centers expand into unaccustomed regions. Large facilities bring concerns about noise, water usage, and aesthetics, leading to stalled projects. Developers must engage proactively with communities, educating them on benefits like tax revenue and infrastructure improvements to gain support.

The data center industry in 2026 is defined by growth and complexity. Operators must navigate rising costs, secure financing, and address community concerns to thrive. As the digital world’s needs expand, the infrastructure supporting it must adapt faster than ever.

Pricing Shifts and Market RealitiesThe Role of Private Credit in FinancingThe "Gigawatt Era" and Unprecedented DemandExpansion into Secondary MarketsCommunity Sentiment as a Market ForceConclusion