Tier-1 independence still needs supplier diversity

Why it matters

AS1299 can reach the internet without buying transit. Arelion still buys power, fibre, equipment and local access from others.

Levina Zheng12 August 2026 at 00:41 UTCReading Time 1 minLast update: 17 August 2026

Editorial image illustrating physical landing and backhaul diversity rather than cable count alone.

Summary

Map common vendors and facilities beneath nominally diverse paths.
Keep qualified substitutes and spares for long-lead components.

Routing independence is not supply-chain independence. The next useful evidence is a dependency map tested against loss of one vendor or site. Arelion renews its Tier-1 value when physical and commercial alternatives are usable, not merely listed.

Sources

BTW Research on Arelion’s Tier-1 reach

Summary

Sources

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