At NJFX, we’ve always believed that building a stronger telecommunications industry means investing in the people who will carry it forward. For the past nine years, nurturing the next generation has been part of our mission by providing students and young professionals the chance to gain real-world experience in operations, security, sales, and marketing.

We have had the privilege of mentoring 10 exceptional interns who have gone on to flourish in their careers. Each has taken the knowledge and opportunities gained at NJFX and applied them to exciting new chapters in the IT, telecom, and enterprise space.

Today, on International Interns Day, we proudly celebrate their journeys:

Sales & Business Development

JP Merkler – Interned under Felix Seda, focusing on sales and business development strategies → Now at Goldman Sachs

Sarah Kurtz – Also a sales/BD intern under Felix, later hired full-time at NJFX as Business Development & Marketing Associate, and eventually became a mentor → Now at Cloudflare

Amanda Kadunce – Mentored by Sarah Kurtz during her internship in sales/BD → Now at QTS

Site Access, Security & Compliance

Spencer Nowak – Focused on accounting and security while helping develop compliance assessment tools with our Site Access team → Currently completing his degree and interning at Orangewood Partners

Tiffany Antonelli – Worked on site security and developed tools to help ensure our facility met high government compliance standards → Now an Intelligence Analyst with the NJ State Police

Michael Beekman – Participated in site and compliance support, with a focus on investigative practices → Now a Senior Anti-Money Laundering Investigator at Standard Chartered

Engineering & Operations

Olivia Braunstien – Served as an engineering intern and later found her passion in brand and technical marketing → Now Marketing Manager at BD

Dylan Braunstien – Operations intern who gained exposure to data center processes and customer handling → Currently interning at Fiserv

Marketing & Strategy

Taylor Khan – Supported by Emily Newman during her marketing internship, worked on digital campaigns and event planning → Now part of Verizon’s professional development program

Alex Sokol – A high school student who interned at NJFX to explore both marketing and operations. He learned firsthand the intricacies of managing a premier interconnection hub → Continuing studies, with a deepened passion for digital infrastructure

Why NJFX Supports Internships and the Next Generation 

Beyond our own program, NJFX has worked to extend this mission to the broader telecom community. Eight years ago, we helped launch the Millennials in Telecom initiative at PTC, recognizing that the industry needed to create more intentional opportunities for young professionals to break in, be heard, and find their place.

What started as an informal gathering has since evolved into the PTC Beyond Committee, an official initiative that gives students and early-career professionals free access to the Pacific Telecommunications Council’s annual conference in Honolulu. This platform allows emerging leaders to meet with senior executives, ask questions, explore cutting-edge topics, and build connections that can shape their futures.

For NJFX, the motivation has always been clear: today’s interns are tomorrow’s innovators, network architects, cybersecurity experts, and decision-makers. By creating a hands-on, meaningful internship experience and amplifying that effort through broader industry platforms, we’re helping to ensure that the future of telecommunications is not only technically strong but also diverse, inclusive, and future-ready.

As we celebrate National Interns Day, we reaffirm our commitment to uplifting the next generation and continuing to be a gateway for future leaders in the world of connectivity.

The Next Evolution of the Trusted Middle Mile

The Internet has entered a new era. From the work‑from‑home revolution and the explosion of IoT devices to the dramatic rise of generative AI and real‑time analytics, our society is generating and consuming data at unprecedented scale. Video calls and cloud applications have long tested broadband capacity, but today’s AI workloads demand much more: ultra‑low latency, high‑bandwidth “pipelines” that carry massive model weights and inference results between data centers, subsea cables, and end users.

Since 2015, NJFX has embodied the concept of “The Trusted Middle Mile”: a purpose‑built, Tier 3 campus designed from the ground up to be carrier‑neutral, resilient, and future‑ready. Our New Jersey facility serves as the critical junction where multiple subsea cables meet U.S. terrestrial routes, Internet exchanges, global cloud on‑ramps, and content delivery networks. With four live subsea systems, NJFX connects over 30 independent network operators, including industry leaders such as AT&T, Zayo, Lumen, Windstream, Arelion, and Verizon, each leveraging terrestrial and aerial routes to ensure true path diversity.

AI‑Ready Infrastructure at the Edge
Today’s AI models whether powering real‑time language translation, autonomous vehicles, or complex simulations—thrive on speed. NJFX meets this need by hosting edge inference nodes and providing direct, low‑latency connectivity to major cloud providers’ regional PoPs. Our high‑density data halls support up to 10 MW of power, cooling optimized for GPU infrastructure, and turnkey rack builds that get you up and running in days, not months. By placing compute closer to where data lands, we dramatically reduce round‑trip times for AI training and inference, giving you a competitive edge in data‑driven innovation.

Robust physical security, redundant power feeds, and continuous operational oversight ensure your network stays online 24×7×365. Our team works hand‑in‑hand with DHS/CISA and local authorities to monitor threats, coordinate response efforts, and provide customers with real‑time alerts and support. From fiber‑path diversity spanning Denmark to Brazil, to hardened design against environmental hazards, NJFX is engineered for the unexpected.

As organizations across finance, healthcare, media, and beyond lean ever more heavily into AI, the network that underpins innovation must be as intelligent and adaptable as the applications it carries. NJFX remains your trusted middle mile is ready for today’s challenges and built for tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

With a proven track record of managing complex financial systems and streamlining operational processes, Brandon plays a pivotal role in supporting NJFX’s financial health and strategic planning efforts.

In his role, Brandon works directly with Chief Financial Officer Jim Martini, helping to oversee daily financial operations, budgeting, reporting, and long-term forecasting. His goal-oriented mindset and keen attention to detail ensure NJFX remains efficient, compliant, and positioned for continued growth.

Brandon‘s path into finance began with a Bachelor of Science in Finance, which provided him with the technical knowledge and analytical skills needed to thrive in high-paced environments. Beyond the numbers, Brandon brings a strong sense of leadership and discipline to the team—skills sharpened during his time as a Division I collegiate athlete, playing soccer for both the University of Pittsburgh and the University of South Florida.

With a passion for collaboration and continuous improvement, Brandon is already making an impact at NJFX, and we’re proud to have him on board as we continue to scale and evolve our operations.

As these technologies mature, so does the infrastructure required to support them. At NJFX, we’re positioned to serve as the digital backbone for both, particularly as they scale into horizontal and vertical AI models that demand resilient, scalable, and globally connected infrastructure.

Generative AI is the engine behind tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and GritHub Copilot. These models are trained on broad datasets to create entirely new content, text, images, and more.

Generative AI is primarily a horizontal model, meaning:

• It is general-purpose, built to serve a wide range of industries.

• It can be fine-tuned into vertical applications (e.g., legal chatbots, AI copywriters, medical scribe tools).

• Think of it as the foundational layer upon which other domain-specific tools are built.

Examples of horizontal Generative AI platforms:

• OpenAI GPT-4

• Anthropic Claude

• Google Gemini

Agentic AI Model: Vertical by Design
Agentic models refers to models that simulate evolution to optimize for solutions over time by running iterations based on mutation, selection, and crossover. These are often agent-driven systems, capable of self-improvement and decision-making.
This class of AI leans heavily into vertical applications such as:

• Drug discovery (optimizing molecule configurations)

• Supply chain design

• Aerospace and materials engineering

• Complex simulations in finance or national security

Powering the Full AI Spectrum
Whether horizontal or vertical, generative or agentic, all AI models depend on reliable, scalable digital infrastructure and NJFX delivers exactly that.

We offer direct access to 35+ global network operators, major subsea cables (to Europe, LATAM), and intercontinental cloud routes—essential for training or deploying horizontal models at scale and enabling real-time decisioning for vertical AI agents.

Our purpose-built facility support 5-10MW’s of Edge AI infrastructure, with high-density, water-based cooling—built for GPU-intensive generative training or the parallel compute environments needed by agentic models.

Generative platforms benefit from our latency-sensitive proximity to population hubs without the chokepoints of congested metro centers. Whether delivering inference outputs or supporting SaaS-based AI platforms, NJFX acts as a critical interconnection point for AI traffic in and out of North America.

Financial institutions, healthcare systems, and scientific researchers with agentic models benefit from NJFX’s low-risk location, network diversity, and connectivity to cloud, edge, and research networks. Our environment supports long training windows, regulated industries, and AI lifecycle compliance.

The AI Future is Both Wide and Deep
Generative AI is scaling horizontally, becoming a layer upon which specialized tools are being built.
Genetic (Agentic) AI is scaling vertically, with bespoke solutions evolving across healthcare, energy, defense, and finance.

But both share the same demands:
Ultra-low-latency connectivity
Compute density at the edge
Global reach and network resilience

AI is not one-size-fits-all—it’s a spectrum of models, missions, and use cases. At NJFX, we support this entire ecosystem by delivering purpose-built, carrier-neutral, AI-optimized infrastructure at the edge of the world’s most important digital routes.
Whether you’re scaling a generative model across continents or evolving agentic intelligence for life sciences, we’re ready.

Discover how NJFX powers AI
Contact us to explore AI-ready deployment at the edge

The global economy relies on the efficiency of subsea cables where fiber optic links power the world’s internet, cloud, and financial organizations. Last year, we witnessed how quickly this critical infrastructure can be disrupted as sabotaged cable cuts in the Baltic Sea raised red flags across Europe. These unfortunate events serve as a stark reminder that the world’s digital backbone is vulnerable not just to wear and tear, but to geopolitics. The world is once again reminded that digital infrastructure is not immune to the pressures of global conflict.

This year, the escalating war between Israel and Iran has expanded beyond physical battlefields and into the digital domain. Both nations known for cyber warfare capabilities are weaponizing connectivity. Iran’s response to anticipated Israeli cyberattacks was swift and sweeping a near-total internet blackout imposed in early June. According to Cloudflare, Iran’s internet traffic dropped by approximately 97% compared to normal levels, cutting off tens of millions of people from access to information and communication. While much of the global economy remained online, this event demonstrated just how easily connectivity can become collateral damage in geopolitical conflict.

The Middle East plays a critical role in global telecommunications, serving as a key corridor for subsea and terrestrial cables connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. With networks dependent on major subsea systems routed through politically sensitive areas including the Suez Canal and the Persian Gulf, any conflict in the region threatens the stability of global network operations.

What’s happening today is not without precedent. This dual front – cyber and physical – makes one thing clear: telecommunications networks can no longer rely on conventional routing through high-pressure geopolitical zones.

At NJFX, we’ve long prepared our customers with diverse, resilient network options regardless of rising global tensions. Blue-sky planning isn’t just part of our strategy. It is essential for ensuring our customers have access to the most unique and secure routes available for their critical infrastructure.

In early 2024, during our Critical Infrastructure Forum, NJFX convened over 30 executives and network leaders to examine global network risks, including the over-reliance on subsea cables transiting through Egypt and the vulnerability of legacy metro chokepoints.  That foresight is proving essential now, as the Israel-Iran conflict adds a new layer of volatility to an already fragile global infrastructure map.

The industry must act with urgency. The internet has become a weapon, a shield, and a lifeline all at once. Building secure, resilient, and redundant infrastructure is no longer optional. It’s a requirement.

NJFX is leading the way providing insight into diverse global routes, minimizing exposure to global flashpoints, and supporting high-performance workloads from AI to finance that rely on constant connectivity. In today’s interconnected world, digital infrastructure doesn’t just carry data. It carries economies, diplomacy, security, and access to truth.

NJFX proudly announces Felix Seda to Chief Revenue Officer, marking a milestone in a journey defined by steadfast dedication, strategic leadership, and meaningful impact on the digital infrastructure landscape.

Felix’s professional career began at Barclays Wealth, where he served as Assistant Vice President in the firm’s Private Wealth division. Tasked with managing the Advisory Middle Office across North America, he developed an exceptional operational skill set and a sharp eye for detail. These attributes would later become foundational as he transitioned into the fast-paced world of telecommunications.

In 2015, Felix joined forces with industry veteran Frank Farrugia to help build NJFX from the ground up. His financial acumen and operational discipline were instrumental in establishing NJFX as the first Tier 3, carrier-neutral cable landing station and colocation campus in North America. Working closely with Frank, Felix laid the groundwork for NJFX’s robust infrastructure and operational excellence, which continue to define the company’s reputation as a trusted and reliable connectivity hub.

As NJFX matured, so too did Felix’s role. He stepped into a key partnership with NJFX CEO Gil Santaliz, contributing to the company’s expansive growth trajectory. Together, they broadened NJFX’s customer portfolio and elevated the facility’s role as a strategic intersection point for subsea and terrestrial networks. Known throughout the industry for his approachable demeanor and customer-first approach, Felix has cultivated long-lasting relationships and a collaborative NJFX ecosystem.

Felix’s leadership also extends into industry mentorship and community engagement. He is a passionate advocate for empowering the next generation of telecom professionals. One of his signature achievements is the “PTC Beyond” initiative, which provides complimentary registration to the Pacific Telecommunications Council’s annual conference for emerging leaders in the field. His advocacy for inclusion and mentorship was recognized at the PTC ’25 Awards, reinforcing his role as a changemaker within the industry.

Industry organizations have taken note of Felix’s accomplishments. He has been named to NJBiz’s “40 Under 40” list, honoring New Jersey’s rising business leaders, and recognized by Capacity Media on its esteemed “Power 100” list four consecutive years, which celebrates the most influential figures in the global wholesale telecom space.

As a partner of NJFX, Felix remains deeply invested in the company’s long-term success, ensuring its continued growth, innovation, and leadership within the global digital infrastructure ecosystem. As Chief Revenue Officer, Felix leads NJFX into a new chapter—one that includes the launch of a 4.5MW AI-enabled data hall designed to meet the growing demands of high-performance computing and enterprise AI workloads. His vision and leadership continue to drive NJFX’s evolution as a cutting-edge, resilient digital infrastructure provider.

Felix Seda’s journey from the financial halls of Barclays to the frontlines of telecommunications innovation exemplifies the spirit of NJFX. His dedication, vision, and collaborative leadership have left an indelible mark on the organization’s growth, and the future holds even greater promise under his guidance.

AI advancements are playing a pivotal role in transforming global network strategies and redefining connectivity priorities. As enterprises strive to adapt to the digital age, the influence of AI is compelling a comprehensive thought process of how networks are structured and managed. This shift has been particularly significant in strategic locations like New Jersey, where the demand for Tier 3 carrier neutral infrastructure is on the rise. With AI driving unprecedented efficiency and intelligence in data processing, operators are increasingly prioritizing robust, scalable solutions to mitigate risks to their networks. The integration of AI into network infrastructure is revolutionizing how organizations approach their global connectivity strategies. This section explores the profound impact of AI advancements on network architecture and the subsequent rethinking of traditional network strategies.

AI Advancements and Connectivity

AI advancements are fundamentally altering the landscape of network connectivity. These innovations are enabling more intelligent, efficient, and adaptive network systems that can respond to changing demands in real-time. Machine learning algorithms are now capable of predicting network traffic patterns, allowing for proactive resource allocation and optimization. This predictive capability significantly enhances network performance and reliability. Edge computing, powered by AI, is reducing latency and improving data processing speeds. By bringing computational power closer to the data source, organizations can achieve near-instantaneous responses, critical for applications like autonomous vehicles and IoT devices.

AI-driven network security measures are becoming increasingly sophisticated, offering robust protection against evolving cyber threats. These systems can detect anomalies and potential breaches faster than ever before, ensuring the integrity of global networks.

Carrier Neutral Infrastructure Benefits

The advent of AI technologies is compelling organizations to reassess their global network strategies. This shift is driven by the need for more flexible, scalable, and intelligent network infrastructures.

Traditional network architectures are being replaced by software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV). These technologies, enhanced by AI, allow for more dynamic and efficient network management. Cloud-native networking is gaining prominence, enabling organizations to leverage the power of distributed computing. This approach facilitates better resource utilization and provides the agility needed to adapt to rapidly changing business requirements. AI-powered analytics are now central to network strategy, offering deep insights into network performance, user behavior, and potential optimizations. These insights drive data-informed decision-making, leading to more effective network designs and implementations.

As AI continues to shape the technological landscape, organizations are reevaluating their connectivity priorities. The growing importance of carrier-neutral infrastructure and the strategic significance of data centers in locations like New Jersey. Carrier-neutral infrastructure has become a cornerstone of modern network strategies, offering numerous advantages in the AI-driven landscape. Flexibility is a key benefit of carrier-neutral facilities. Organizations can choose from multiple service providers, allowing them to optimize their network based on specific needs and budget constraints. Redundancy and reliability are significantly enhanced in carrier-neutral environments. The presence of multiple carriers ensures that if one experiences issues, others can seamlessly take over, minimizing downtime and maintaining connectivity.

Carrier-neutral infrastructure also promotes competition among providers, often resulting in more competitive pricing and improved service quality. This market-driven approach benefits organizations by providing access to cutting-edge technologies and services.

Data Centers in New Jersey: A Strategic Choice

New Jersey has emerged as a strategic location for data centers, offering unique advantages for organizations looking to optimize their network infrastructure in the AI era. Proximity to major financial centers like New York City makes New Jersey an ideal location for data centers serving the finance industry. This proximity reduces latency, crucial for high-frequency trading and real-time financial operations. New Jersey’s robust power infrastructure and favorable climate contribute to the reliability and efficiency of data centers in the region. These factors are essential for maintaining the high-performance computing environments required for AI applications.

The state’s strong telecommunications backbone and access to multiple carrier networks enhance connectivity options. This infrastructure supports the high bandwidth and low latency requirements of AI-driven applications and services.

As New Jersey experienced an uptick in wildfire incidents during the dry season of 2025, the communications sector faced significant challenges. The state had been grappling with several small but impactful wildfires, particularly in rural and wooded areas. While these fires may not have reached the scale of those in western states, their presence still posed risks to the region’s communication infrastructure.

During one such wildfire, a blaze near the Pine Barrens threatened several communication towers crucial for both mobile and internet services. As flames approached these facilities, concerns grew over potential outages that could hinder emergency communications and public safety notifications. Local telecommunications companies quickly implemented contingency plans, rerouting signals through alternative networks to minimize disruptions.

Despite their efforts, some residents found themselves facing temporary communication blackouts. In an age where timely access to information is vital, this lack of connectivity created confusion and anxiety. People were unable to receive alerts about evacuations or safety measures, prompting local officials to rely on community outreach and traditional methods like door-to-door notifications to convey urgent information.

In the aftermath of the wildfires, the communications sector in New Jersey began to prioritize infrastructure resilience. Discussions emerged on fortifying existing towers against fire hazards and investing in advanced technologies such as mesh networks, which could maintain connectivity even when certain links were compromised. This experience underscored the essential role that communication plays in public safety and emergency response, prompting a renewed commitment to safeguarding the region’s communication networks against future wildfire threats.

Wildfire Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Procedures

1. Preparation:
   • Create an Emergency Plan: – Discuss and establish a family emergency plan including escaping routes and a meeting point outside the danger zone.
   • Assemble an Emergency Kit: – Include essentials such as: – Important documents (IDs, insurance papers) – Medications and first aid supplies – Non-perishable food and water (three-day supply) – Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio – Clothing and personal hygiene items
   • Home Safety Measures: – Regularly clean gutters and roofs to remove debris. – Create defensible space around your home by clearing flammable vegetation. – Install fire-resistant building materials and ensure your home has functioning smoke alarms.
   • Stay Informed: – Sign up for local alerts and monitor fire weather conditions through reliable sources.
2. Response:
   • Evacuation: – Follow your emergency plan immediately upon receiving an alert. – Prioritize taking the emergency kit and pets. – Close windows and doors, and turn off gas to minimize fire risk if safe to do so.
   • Communicate: – Notify family members of your safety and location. – Use designated meeting points to reunite if separated.
3. Recovery:
   • Assess the Damage: – After the fire, inspect your home and property carefully for hazards. – Contact local authorities for evaluation and support resources.
   • Seek Assistance: – Reach out to community organizations and local government for assistance and recovery programs. – Consider temporary housing or services from organizations like the Red Cross if necessary.
   • Rebuilding and Resilience: – Participate in local clean-up efforts and support community rebuilding initiatives. – Implement improved safety measures based on lessons learned to better prepare for future risks.
   • Emotional Support: – Engage with counseling and support groups to address emotional impacts of the disaster. – Encourage open communication among family members about their experiences and feelings.

By following these procedures, individuals and families can enhance their preparedness for wildfires, effectively respond to such emergencies, and engage in meaningful recovery efforts.

The following link is to a great resource out of California (an unfortunate expert is wildfire response). Even though we are on the other side of the country, their tips and recommendations can be applied here for planning, response, and recovery.https://www.fire.ca.gov/prepa