Looking for the best Dark Fiber providers in Charlotte, North Carolina? Here's your ultimate guide to making an informed choice.
What is Dark Fiber?
Dark Fiber, also known as 'unlit fiber' or 'black fiber,' refers to fiber optic cables that have been installed but are not currently in use. These unused cables are leased to businesses, which then provide the necessary equipment to 'light' the fiber and create a network connection.
Dark Fiber providers are highly dependent on the availability of specific network infrastructure in a given area. The presence of unused fiber cables and accessible splice points determines whether a provider can offer services in a particular location. This makes Dark Fiber availability more common in densely populated or high-traffic areas.
Overview of Dark Fiber Providers in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, with an estimated 39 available based on Lightyear’s network intelligence—the industry’s most comprehensive dataset.
Actual provider availability also depends on fiber infrastructure near a specific address—so while many exist citywide, not all are quote-ready for every location. Comparing options can quickly become overwhelming.
To help simplify your research, we've compiled a definitive list of providers offering Dark Fiber in Charlotte, which you can explore below.
You can also schedule a demo with the Lightyear team for expert support navigating telecom procurement. Provider availability differs significantly by location, and Lightyear’s network intelligence helps businesses identify the right-fit options based on real infrastructure data.
Local Telcos in Charlotte, with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Charlotte region in North Carolina, United States. They possess extensive fiber infrastructure, making them ideal providers for Dark Fiber. Unlike regular providers, local telcos can offer service across larger areas, ensuring broader coverage.
The local telco(s) in Charlotte that offer Dark Fiber include:
- AT&T: A major U.S. telecommunications provider offering wireless, internet, and bundled services. Known for extensive fiber infrastructure, though specific Dark Fiber pricing details are not provided.
- BrightSpeed: Offers fast and reliable fiber and broadband internet plans. Focuses on expanding connectivity to underserved areas, but no specific Dark Fiber details are mentioned.
- Kinetic Ventures: A venture capital firm investing in enterprise and broadband sectors, aiming to maximize entrepreneurial growth.
Local Cable Companies in Charlotte with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Charlotte, which they now use to deliver ISP and business connectivity services. While their residential services typically rely on coaxial cables, their enterprise offerings—like Dark Fiber—are usually delivered over fiber infrastructure. Availability depends on the cable provider's network footprint, with some services like DIA offering broader coverage than others. Often, a city’s local cable companies, like their local telcos, will be able to provide Dark Fiber connectivity throughout the city.
The cable company(ies) in Charlotte that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Spectrum: A leading telecommunications provider offering high-speed internet, mobile, cable TV, and home phone services. Spectrum's internet plans start at $30 per month for 100 Mbps, with no contracts and easy self-installation options.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Charlotte
Finally, network providers are companies that deliver Dark Fiber by leveraging a mix of technologies to offer flexible, business-focused solutions. Unlike local telcos and cable companies with citywide infrastructure, these providers may only cover specific areas depending on network availability.
There are many network providers in Charlotte that offer Dark Fiber to choose from. Here's a quick look at all of them based on our network intelligence:
- 2pifi: Specializes in providing high-speed internet and network solutions for businesses.
- Angola Cables: Offers international connectivity and data center services, focusing on the African market.
- Arelion: Delivers global connectivity solutions with a robust fiber network.
- CenturyLink: Provides internet, phone, and TV services, with a strong focus on fiber infrastructure.
- Comcast: A leading provider of cable TV, internet, and phone services for residential and business customers.
- Cox Communications: Offers digital cable television, telecommunications, and home automation services.
- Crown Castle: Specializes in shared communications infrastructure, including fiber solutions.
- ERC Broadband: Provides high-speed internet and data services in Western North Carolina.
- FiberLight: Delivers high-performance fiber optic network solutions for enterprises.
- Fusion Connect: Offers cloud communications, connectivity, and managed services.
- Google Fiber: Provides high-speed internet and TV services with a focus on gigabit speeds.
- Granite Telecommunications: Delivers voice, data, and networking services to businesses.
- Hughes: Specializes in satellite internet and networking solutions.
- Inteliquent: Provides voice and messaging services for communication service providers.
- Lightpath: Offers fiber-based connectivity solutions for businesses.
- MBC: Focuses on providing broadband and fiber optic services in the Mannheim region.
- Megaport: Delivers network as a service (NaaS) solutions for cloud connectivity.
- Optimum: Provides internet, TV, and phone services with a focus on high-speed connectivity.
- Pavlov Media: Offers broadband services and managed network solutions for multi-dwelling units.
- Planters Telephone Cooperative: Provides telecommunications services in rural areas.
- Segra: Delivers fiber-based network solutions for businesses and carriers.
- Spectrotel: Offers voice, internet, and managed services for businesses.
- Sprint: Provides wireless and internet services, now part of T-Mobile.
- Starvision: Specializes in satellite TV and internet services.
- Surry Communications: Offers broadband and telecommunications services in North Carolina.
- T-Mobile: A major wireless carrier offering mobile and internet services.
- Telephone and Data Systems: Provides telecommunications services, including internet and TV.
- Telia Company: Offers global connectivity and network services.
- TPx Communications: Delivers managed IT, unified communications, and network services.
- Uniti Fiber: Provides fiber infrastructure solutions for carriers and enterprises.
- Verizon: Offers wireless, internet, and business solutions with extensive fiber infrastructure.
- Vertek: Specializes in providing IT and network solutions.
- Vyve Broadband: Delivers high-speed internet and cable services in rural areas.
- Zayo: Provides fiber and bandwidth connectivity solutions for businesses.
Overall Connectivity Score in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States: High
A high connectivity score in Charlotte signifies robust provider availability, extensive fiber infrastructure, and healthy competition. For businesses seeking Dark Fiber, this translates to more choices and competitive pricing. However, the right provider still hinges on location-specific availability and business needs, making tools like Lightyear essential for streamlining the selection process.
Use Lightyear to Find the Perfect Provider
Interested in accessing the full list of providers at the best prices? Lightyear's platform offers unparalleled insights into Dark Fiber availability in Charlotte, leveraging real-time data to match your business with the ideal provider. Our intuitive interface, expert support, and comprehensive network intelligence make telecom procurement seamless and efficient.
Book a demo to explore Lightyear today.
