Bandwidth

“Bandwidth is a relentless ride through the peaks and valleys of an industry that’s shaped our world. Like any great race, it’s filled with high-stakes gambles, fierce competition, and the unwavering pursuit of the finish line. Some players crashed and burned while others found redemption, but the race never stopped. This book isn’t just about technology—it’s also about resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Bandwidth is a reminder that even after the hardest falls, there’s always a chance to get back up, rebuild, and press forward, making it a must-read for anyone who believes in pushing boundaries and defying expectations.”—Lance Armstrong, professional cyclist and endurance athlete; managing director of Next Ventures

“Bandwidth is a business story for the ages, brilliantly told by a man who was intimately involved in the greatest multitrillion-dollar infrastructure race of all time. It is a story of personal achievement, of heroes and villains and crooks, of investment tragedy and rebirth, and of CEO guts on a level not seen since the Industrial Revolution and the transcontinental railroads. Bandwidth is Barbarians at the Gate on steroids. And it continues to play out and impact human life everywhere.” —John J. Keller, former award-winning reporter for The Wall Street Journal

“Bandwidth is an essential read for investment bankers, Private and Public Equity Investors, and technology consultants. The intertwining tales of hostile acquisitions, IPOs, industry consolidations, and bankruptcies are thrilling to read. This is a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity.” —Jason Rowe, managing director at Goldman Sachs

“In Bandwidth, Dan Caruso lets us all in on the secret history of today’s megascale tech companies. Bandwidth unwinds the tale of the pioneering telecom entrepreneurs in the 1990s and early 2000s who set in motion the golden age of tech startups and scaleups. Every subsequent tech wave—from the Dot-Com Boom (and bust) to the rise of US Webscale Giants to the flourishing of AI, blockchain, and, soon, quantum technology—has depended on fiber-optic networks and on bandwidth. Bandwidth is quite literally the foundation upon which every successful founder operates, and yet few know its story. Dan, a veteran executive of three digital infrastructure decacorns, is uniquely positioned to lead us along this rip-roaring ride of the creation, survival, revival, and triumph of dozens of the world’s most storied tech players. Bandwidth is a must-read for scaleup leaders and their investors, as well as for anyone who enjoys a heart-pounding story!” —Linda Rottenberg, co-founder and CEO of Endeavor

“This remarkable book recounts a hero’s journey, wherein the hero is both the author and the bandwidth industry. Caruso takes us through the thrilling early days, where billion-dollar fortunes were created and lost. In classic fashion, rock bottom comes quickly when the Internet bubble bursts, to the surprise and ruination of many. The hero’s journey back to life follows with a select few visionaries (including Caruso himself) rebuilding bandwidth from the scraps of bankrupt companies. This classic storytelling allows us to follow a complex, labyrinthine web of subplots to an understanding of how the Internet came to be and to where it might be heading. Individually, the characters and their stories are fascinating. Together, they present a page-turning account of a moment in time when the world changed completely.” —Steve Aranguren, creative story artist, formerly of Disney and Creative Artists Agency

“With unparalleled access to industry titans and behind-the-scenes deal-making, Dan Caruso offers an insider’s view into the business strategies, technological breakthroughs, and visionary personalities that have driven the exponential growth of our digital infrastructure. Dan delivers a fascinating and insightful firsthand account from the unique position of having worked for or started companies owned by the largest surviving US bandwidth providers. The book’s engaging narrative weaves together personal anecdotes, technical explanations, and economic analysis, creating an essential read for anyone interested in the past, present, or future of global communications.” —Steven Kaplan, distinguished service professor of entrepreneurship and finance and Kessenich E.P.; faculty director at the Polsky Center, University of Chicago

“Like I was in Molly’s Game, Dan Caruso is both the storyteller and a central participant—which allows him to tell the explosive story of the bold characters who created the infrastructure of the Internet. This always entertaining and sometimes chilling adventure will stay with you for years to come.” —Molly Bloom, inspirational keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and bestselling author of Molly’s Game

“I witnessed Dan successfully execute both a highly complex restructuring and launch a start-up that he grew into a $14.5 billion business. It is extremely rare for the same executive to have accomplished both. Bandwidth details Dan’s extensive knowledge of unit economics, ability to examine product profitability, and relentless focus on value creation.” —Gillis Cashman, managing partner at M/C Partners

“Ambition, greed, innovation, and resilience clashed on the grand stage of the Internet revolution. Dan ‘the Bear’ Caruso recounts the stories with amazing detail and brings this human drama to life, showcasing his fearless quest to push the boundaries of what was possible.” —George Nazi, CEO of Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence; former global VP and general manager of telecom at Google (2020–2023)

“A thrilling firsthand account of the development of the fastest-growing industry of all time by one of its leading protagonists. A wonderful read.” —Brady Rafuse, former CEO of euNetworks; former CEO of Level 3 Europe