Bluebird Network, a Midwest telecommunications company, said today that it has begun an expansion of an underground data center, a project that will go to bid in late May. The data center is located in an underground mine in Springfield, Mo.
Bluebird Network, headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, was formed by integrating Bluebird Media, Missouri Network Alliance, and Illinois Network Alliance.
Bluebird Network Underground Data Center
The announced expansion represents an additional 4,700 square-feet of white space, bringing the total to 22,300 square-feet. The entire data center currently encompasses 80,000 square-feet of mine space. The remaining space is dedicated to critical mechanical and electrical support systems.
In addition to the increased white space, the expansion includes a third 2MW generator, another Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system and a 10,000-gallon auxiliary fuel storage tank. According to the company, these improvements will improve the overall operational performance of the Bluebird Underground Data Center, enable it operate independently for up to four days on generator power, and deliver additional A/B power to its customers
The entire expansion will be underground, ensuring operational stability. This unique approach leverages the full protection provided by the data center’s natural surroundings, ensuring the best shield from both natural and unnatural disasters.
This expansion is the second of three planned since Bluebird Network acquired the data center in 2014. The first expansion, completed in 2016, added approximately 4,000 square-feet of white space. The third expansion will represent approximately 7,000 square-feet of additional white space in the future.
“This expansion will increase the physical size of the data center and will augment our current processes to make the facility stronger,” says Michael Morey, President and CEO of Bluebird Network, in a prepared statement. “We will provide space to meet increased demand while enhancing our overall services.”
