AWS runs 900 data center sites in over 50 countries

Amazon Web Services operates more than 900 data center facilities in over 50 countries, according to documents reviewed by Bloomberg and SourceMaterial.

The cloud unit, known for large hubs in the US, also uses hundreds of colocation centers—rented spaces where AWS shares infrastructure with other tenants—which accounted for about 20% of its computing power in 2023.

As of early 2024, AWS used more than 440 colocation sites and over 220 additional “edge” locations in major cities, supporting rapid data routing and regional access.

AWS does not publicly share the locations of its data centers, citing security and competition concerns.

Industry trackers estimate AWS’s presence at between 364 and 449 data centers, though the exact number is unclear due to private agreements with landlords.

Amazon owns about 24 million square feet of data center buildings and leases roughly the same amount.

Environmental groups warn Amazon’s rapid data center expansion is increasing pressure on power grids, while the company says it is investing heavily in renewable energy.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

🧠 Food for thought

Implications, context, and why it matters.

AWS colocation stems from scarce power

More than 440 colocation sites supplied about 20% of AWS compute in 2023 1. Power has become “the new real estate” with average grid waits near four years 1.
Colocation still faces power delays that can stretch nearly a decade in some regions 2, and it uses shared facilities. Hyperscalers (very large cloud and internet companies operating at massive scale) control capacity via owned or leased sites, held 44% of global data center capacity in 2024, and are set to exceed 60% by 2030 1.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy called power the single biggest constraint on cloud capacity, with the squeeze set to last for several quarters 2. AWS simplified electrical and mechanical systems, then repositioned racks to cut stranded power 2. Supply still trails demand 2.

Vendors can focus on Direct Connect sites and 220+ edge hubs

Sellers of cross-connects (physical fiber links inside colocation facilities), managed network services, or low-latency security should map AWS Direct Connect 3. AWS urges multiple locations for high availability, which opens recurring deals for providers that deliver redundant links 3.
Direct Connect spans 50 Mbps to 400 Gbps, with Media Access Control Security (MACsec) only at select sites 4. Security firms can add DDoS protection or traffic inspection where encryption options fall short or customers need layered defenses beyond AWS tools.
Edge platforms can team with AWS Direct Connect Delivery Partners (certified partners that provision and manage Direct Connect links) that provide hosted links up to 25 Gbps 5. AWS stopped taking new Hosted Virtual Interface (VIF) integrations due to oversubscription risks 5, so providers with guaranteed bandwidth and Service Level Agreement (SLA)-backed performance stand out in Northern Virginia and Dallas-Fort Worth, where half of colocation deals landed in H1 2025 1.