They lease in carrier hotels from people like Equinix, Interxion, and Coresite for edge connections and peering.
They also buy on the wholesale market taking over entire buildings and campuses. DFT had a great business model. Leasing out entire campuses to hyperscale players on 30 year leases before even breaking ground. Pre-determined interest rates means you know exactly how much you can charge per CRSF and make a good living. Honestly, I was pretty pissed when DRT bought DFT.
They also buy on the wholesale market taking over entire buildings and campuses. DFT had a great business model. Leasing out entire campuses to hyperscale players on 30 year leases before even breaking ground. Pre-determined interest rates means you know exactly how much you can charge per CRSF and make a good living. Honestly, I was pretty pissed when DRT bought DFT.