In this regular update, RCR Wireless News highlights the top news and developments impacting the booming AI infrastructure sector
SoftBank and OpenAI to develop AI agents in Japan
SoftBank plans to convert a former Sharp LCD plant in Osaka, Japan into a large-scale AI data center in collaboration with OpenAI. The site will initially operate with 150 MW of power, expanding to 250 MW by 2028. The facility will host OpenAI’s AI agent base model, with GPUs sourced from NVIDIA and SoftBank’s Stargate Project.
Mitsui to acquire hyperscale data center in Japan
Mitsui & Co. Asset Management Holdings (MAH) announced plans to acquire an operational hyperscale data center in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan to expand its data center business. The 20 MW facility will be acquired via a holding company, in which MAH will invest JPY18 billion ($120 million) for a 50% stake.
Oracle in talks for cloud center in Indonesia
Oracle is in discussions with the Indonesian government to establish a cloud services center on Batam Island, with Nongsa Digital Park as a potential location. The site offers existing data center infrastructure, free trade zone benefits and proximity to Singapore and Malaysia. Oracle already operates two cloud computing centers in Singapore and has announced a $6.5 billion data facility in Malaysia.
Chevron advances plans to develop U.S. data centers with power generation
Chevron is moving forward with plans to develop data centers powered primarily by natural gas. The oil company has entered the permitting and engineering phases for multiple U.S. sites, aiming to capitalize on rising AI-driven energy demand.
Iron Mountain, Ooredoo to accelerate data center growth across MENA
Iron Mountain and Middle East operator Ooredoo Group announced a strategic partnership, in which the former will take a minority equity stake in Ooredoo’s carrier-neutral data center company, MENA Digital Hub.
The partnership will enable Ooredoo to expand its MENA footprint of hyperscale and AI data center infrastructure. Under the partnership, Iron Mountain will provide MENA Digital Hub with specialized advice in the design, construction and daily operations of data centers.
What is AI as a Service (AIaaS)?
In another article, RCR Wireless News explains the concept of AI as a Service (AIaaS) and how this technology is revolutionizing the way businesses and individuals harness the power of artificial intelligence. AIaaS refers to cloud-based AI services that allow organizations to access and utilize AI tools without needing to build and maintain their own infrastructure. By providing ready-to-use AI capabilities, AIaaS eliminates the high costs, technical complexities as well as resource-intensive requirements traditionally associated with the development of AI.
Moreover, AIaaS enables businesses to leverage AI-driven applications such as machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision and predictive analytics. All these services can be applied in various fields, including customer service, fraud detection, healthcare diagnostics, supply chain optimization and personalized marketing. With AIaaS, companies can integrate intelligent automation into their operations, improving efficiency, decision-making and customer experiences.
Why these announcements matter?
These announcements reflect a global acceleration in AI infrastructure investments. NVIDIA-backed CoreWeave’s European expansion, Oracle’s potential cloud hub in Indonesia and Mitsui’s hyperscale investment in Japan highlight the increasing demand for AI data centers worldwide. Meanwhile, Chevron’s entry into power generation for data centers underscores the growing energy challenges of AI-driven workloads. Finally, Iron Mountain’s MENA partnership signals further consolidation and growth in emerging markets.
