Dark Fiber Market

Market Definition

Dark fiber refers to unused or underutilized fiber-optic cables that have been installed but remain inactive. These optical strands offer vast, self-managed bandwidth potential without reliance on third-party networks. 

The market scope encompasses telecommunications carriers, data center operators, enterprise networks, and smart city infrastructures leveraging dedicated, secure connectivity. Organizations adopt dark fiber for applications such as private network creation, high-speed data exchange, disaster recovery interlinks, and next-generation services requiring low latency, scalability, and full control over network architecture.

Dark Fiber Market Overview

The global dark fiber market size was valued at USD 7.45 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 8.37 billion in 2025 to USD 21.10 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.11% during the forecast period. The market is growing, due to the rapid expansion of data centers and cloud computing, which demand high-capacity, low-latency connectivity.

 Additionally, the integration of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is enhancing network flexibility, enabling dynamic bandwidth management and efficient resource allocation, further accelerating dark fiber deployment across core and edge networks.

Major companies operating in the global market are Lumen Technologies, Zayo Group, AT&T Inc., Verizon Communications Inc., Colt Technology Services, Comcast Corporation, GTT Communications, Inc., Windstream Communications, LLC., Crown Castle International Corp., NTT Communications, euNetworks, Microscan Infocommtech Private Limited., ATC TRS V LLC., UFINET, and LuxConnect.

Expansion of 5G networks and edge computing infrastructure is driving the deployment of dark fiber to support high-capacity data transmission. 5G technology requires dense, low-latency connectivity between small cells and data centers, increasing the need for robust fiber backhaul. Edge data centers are being established closer to end users to process data locally, further boosting the demand for scalable and dedicated fiber links. 

Network operators are turning to dark fiber to ensure bandwidth availability, enhance network performance, and maintain control over their infrastructure. Enterprises and cloud service providers are also investing in dark fiber to support high-speed, secure, and flexible communication channels.

• In July 2024, Global InterXchange (GIX) launched a privately-owned dark fiber corridor across the Hudson River, connecting Manhattan (60 Hudson Street) with Newark (165 Halsey Street). This next-generation dark fiber link was engineered for ultra-low latency and redundancy, featuring hurricane-proof flood gates and Prysmian’s latest SMF-28 Ultra fiber. It specifically targets hyperscalers, financial firms, and 5G network operators who demand high-capacity, low‑latency backhaul for edge and data‑center connectivity.

Key Highlights

1. The global dark fiber market size was valued at USD 7.45 billion in 2024.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.11% from 2025 to 2032.
3. North America held a market share of 36.55% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 2.72 billion.
4. The single-mode segment garnered USD 4.20 billion in revenue in 2024.
5. The long haul segment is expected to reach USD 11.31 billion by 2032.
6. The glass fiber segment secured the largest revenue share of 54.34% in 2024.
7. The data centers segment is poised for a robust CAGR of 15.49% through the forecast period.
8. The market in Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 14.98% during the forecast period.

Market Driver

Data Center Proliferation and Cloud Computing Growth

Proliferation of data centers and rapid growth in cloud computing are driving the increased demand for dark fiber to support high-capacity and low-latency connectivity. Rising global data consumption is requiring scalable network infrastructure to link hyperscale, enterprise, and edge data centers efficiently. Cloud service providers are deploying dark fiber to ensure dedicated, secure, and high-speed connections that meet growing bandwidth requirements.

 Interconnecting multiple data hubs across regions is becoming essential for seamless data access, redundancy, and disaster recovery. Enterprises are also turning to dark fiber to gain greater control over network performance and scalability.

• In October 2024, Lightpath expanded its network in the Greater Miami area with 15 miles of new subterranean, high-fiber-count dark fiber and connected eight additional data centers. Its new RapidPath service, offering pre-spliced, ultra-fast-deployment dark fiber, specifically targets hyperscalers and cloud providers to support high-capacity, low-latency inter-data center connectivity.

Market Challenge

Significant Capital Expenditure and Slow ROI Hindering Deployment

A key challenge in the dark fiber market is the high upfront investment needed for infrastructure development, including trenching, permitting, and fiber cable installation. These activities require substantial capital outlay, often with low initial utilization rates that delay return on investment. This financial strain is limiting network expansion, particularly in less densely populated or emerging regions.

To address this challenge, market players are forming infrastructure-sharing partnerships, targeting high-demand corridors, and leveraging existing utility pathways to reduce deployment costs. Companies are also aligning long-term leasing strategies with anchor clients to ensure steady revenue streams and improve financial viability.

Market Trend

Enhancing Network Flexibility through SDN Integration

A key trend in the dark fiber market is the integration of software-defined networking (SDN) and network virtualization to improve connectivity management. Operators are combining dark fiber infrastructure with SDN to enable automated provisioning and centralized control of network resources. This integration allows for dynamic bandwidth scaling, better traffic management, and faster response to changing usage demands.

 Multitenancy is being supported more efficiently, allowing multiple clients to securely share the same physical infrastructure. Network agility is increasing as businesses gain the ability to configure and optimize their connectivity without manual intervention.

• In March 2025, POST Luxembourg became the first European operator to begin migrating its nationwide fiber network to an autonomous, AI-ready software-defined (SDN-enabled) infrastructure. The rollout uses Nokia’s Altiplano Access Controller and Lightspan access nodes to deploy a software-defined access network across all broadband infrastructure. This integration enables centralized, automated control, real-time anomaly detection, and AI-based resource management, boosting network flexibility, operational efficiency, and multitenant support without manual provisioning. 

Dark Fiber Market Report Snapshot

 Market Segmentation

• By Type (Single-mode and Multi-mode): The single-mode segment earned USD 4.20 billion in 2024, due to its ability to support longer transmission distances and higher bandwidth, making it ideal for high-capacity, long-haul, and data center interconnect applications.
• By Network Type (Metro and Long Haul): The metro segment held 53.21% share of the market in 2024, due to the high demand for low-latency, high-capacity connectivity in urban areas, driven by dense data center clusters, enterprise networks, and growing cloud service adoption.
• By Material (Glass Fiber and Plastic Fiber): The plastic fiber segment is projected to reach USD 10.72 billion by 2032, owing to its lower installation cost, flexibility in short-distance communication, and suitability for applications where high bandwidth over long distances is not required.
• By Application (Telecom, Automobile, Industrial Automation & Control, Industrial Automation & Control, Data Centers, and Others): The data centers segment is poised for significant growth at a CAGR of 15.49% over the forecast period, due to its continuous demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency, and scalable connectivity to support large-scale data processing, cloud services, and interconnection between facilities.

Dark Fiber Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global dark fiber industry has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.

North America accounted for a Dark Fiber market share of around 36.55% in 2024, with a valuation of USD 2.72 billion. This dominance is primarily attributed to the continued expansion of hyperscale data centers across the region, particularly in key hubs like Northern Virginia, Dallas, and Silicon Valley. 

On January 17, 2025, Quantum Connect (in partnership with PowerHouse Data Centers) launched a data center in Ashburn featuring 130 miles of private conduit and 2,500 fiber pathways, tailored for AI and high-density workloads. These dedicated dark fiber links enable ultra-low-latency interconnections among hyperscale and enterprise facilities.

Major players such as Google, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, and Meta are building and scaling these facilities, which require high-capacity, low-latency, and dedicated fiber connectivity. Thus, network operators are increasingly leasing dark fiber to enable secure, high-speed interconnections between multiple data centers and cloud infrastructure nodes.

The  Asia Pacific Dark Fiber industry  is poised for  significant growth at a robust CAGR of 14.98% over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to Asia Pacific’s position as home to some of the world’s largest and fastest-expanding internet user populations. 

With increasing smartphone adoption, widespread video streaming, and rising mobile app usage, data traffic is surging rapidly across both urban and rural areas. Telecom operators and internet service providers are increasingly relying on dark fiber networks to deliver high-capacity, low-latency connectivity, particularly in densely populated regions and key regional backbone routes.

• In March 2025, China Telecom launched a major dark fiber expansion project across Guangdong Province, adding over 20,000 kilometers of new dark fiber infrastructure. This deployment targets both urban centers like Guangzhou and Shenzhen as well as rural areas, aiming to support surging data traffic from mobile video streaming, gaming, and cloud applications. The expansion focuses on backbone routes and dense metropolitan networks to ensure low latency and high-capacity connectivity across the region.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates unbundled access to dark fiber under 47 CFR §51.319, requiring incumbent carriers to lease dark fiber in certain markets. Classified as an “information service,” dark fiber falls outside strict Title II telecom regulations, easing its commercial use.
• The European Union (EU) enforces a harmonized regulatory framework under the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), which requires network operators to provide unbundled access to ducts, poles, and dark fiber. National regulatory authorities ensure non-discriminatory leasing practices and transparent pricing. EU directives also support co-investment models and infrastructure sharing, while the Open Internet Regulation (2015) reinforces network neutrality, promoting fair and competitive access to fiber infrastructure across all member states.
• In India, dark fiber deployment is governed by the Unified License regime issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Infrastructure providers classified as IP-1 (Infrastructure Providers - Category 1) can lease dark fiber without offering services directly. The Gati Shakti Sanchar Portal standardizes Right of Way (RoW) approvals under the Telecommunications RoW Rules (2024), enforcing a 67-day clearance timeline.
• In China, dark fiber infrastructure is primarily controlled by state-owned telecom giants such as China Telecom and China Mobile. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) regulates all network equipment through the Network Access License (NAL) scheme, ensuring national security compliance.

Competitive Landscape

Major players in the dark fiber industry are are adopting strategies such as forming strategic partnerships, expanding regional fiber routes, and enhancing data center connectivity to support the growing demand by enterprises. 

For example, collaborations between dark fiber providers and data center operators help bring high-capacity, low-latency connections directly into facilities, meeting the needs of latency-sensitive applications. Companies are also investing in targeted network upgrades and regional infrastructure development to improve service reach and performance.

• In May 2024, Bandwidth IG partnered with Flexential to connect its dark fiber network to Flexential’s new Atlanta–Douglasville data center campus. The collaboration brings high‑demand dark fiber routes directly into the facility to serve accelerated data center growth. Latency‑sensitive enterprises will benefit from the dedicated connectivity link.

List of Key Companies in Dark Fiber Market: 

• Lumen Technologies
• Zayo Group
• AT&T Inc.
• Verizon Communications Inc.
• Colt Technology Services
• Comcast Corporation
• GTT Communications, Inc.
• Windstream Communications, LLC.
• Crown Castle International Corp.
• NTT Communications
• euNetworks
• Microscan Infocommtech Private Limited.
• ATC TRS V LLC.
• UFINET
• LuxConnect

Recent Developments (Partnerships/Agreements/Expansion)

• In October 2024, AT&T signed a USD 1 billion multi‑year purchase agreement with Corning for fiber, cable, and connectivity solutions. The deal supports AT&T’s goal to expand its high‑speed fiber broadband passings from 28.3 million to over 30 million by the end of 2025. Economies of scale are expected to reduce deployment costs for its dark fiber and broadband infrastructure.
• In April 2024, Bandwidth IG expanded its dark fiber network in the San Francisco Bay Area. The extension added over 310 route miles and upwards of 2 million fiber miles, including the first marine cable under the Bay in two decades. It establishes a new high‑capacity fiber ring serving Silicon Valley and East Bay data centers.