Meta Strikes Up to $6 Billion Deal With Corning for Data-Center Fiber-Optic Cables

By Adriano Marchese

Meta has struck a multiyear deal worth up to $6 billion to buy fiber-optic cable from Corning, a move aimed at advancing the expansion of its U.S. data-center network for artificial-intelligence systems.

As part of the deal, Corning, known for making specialty glass, ceramics, and fiber-optic products, said on Tuesday that it will supply Meta with its newest generation of optical fiber, cable and connectivity hardware, components that form the backbone of modern-day AI data centers.

The move is part of Meta's plan to build major data centers across the U.S. and to source advanced technology made domestically, the companies said.

To meet the demand, Corning plans to expand manufacturing capacity across its North Carolina operations, including a scale-up at its optical-cable facility in Hickory, where Meta will serve as the anchor customer, the companies said.

The news sent Corning shares up 8.2% to $102.73 in premarket trading.

Corning Chairman and Chief Executive Wendell Weeks said the partnership shows its commitment to supplying the necessary products to support the critical technologies such as AI and their physical infrastructure.

"The investment will expand our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina, support an increase in Corning's employment levels in the state by 15% to 20%, and help sustain a highly skilled workforce of more than 5,000," Weeks said.

Write to Adriano Marchese at adriano.marchese@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 27, 2026 09:28 ET (14:28 GMT)