Searching for top Dark Fiber providers in Chicago? 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 laid by telecommunications providers but remain unused. These cables are leased or sold to businesses, allowing them to manage their own network infrastructure without relying on the provider's equipment.
Dark Fiber providers are inherently location-based, as their services depend on the availability of specific network infrastructure in a given area. This means that the presence of unused fiber optic cables is crucial, and such availability is often higher in major cities and their surrounding areas. Consequently, businesses in less urbanized regions may face challenges in accessing Dark Fiber services.
Overview of Providers in Chicago Offering Dark Fiber
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Chicago, with an estimated 97 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 Chicago, 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 Chicago with Dark Fiber
Local telcos, offering wireline telephone services throughout the Chicago region, possess extensive fiber infrastructure, making them ideal Dark Fiber providers. They can cover larger areas, unlike regular providers who may only serve specific city regions.
The local telcos in Chicago that offer Dark Fiber are:
AT&T: Known for its extensive fiber network, AT&T offers robust Dark Fiber solutions that cater to large enterprises and data centers. Their unique differentiator lies in their ability to provide scalable and secure fiber infrastructure, ensuring high-speed connectivity and reliability.
Verizon: Verizon's Dark Fiber services are designed to support high-bandwidth applications and critical business operations. They stand out with their advanced network management tools and comprehensive support, making them a preferred choice for businesses seeking dependable and efficient fiber solutions.
Local Cable Companies in Chicago with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Chicago, 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 companies in Chicago that offer Dark Fiber are:
Comcast: Comcast offers extensive Dark Fiber solutions tailored for businesses requiring high-speed, reliable connectivity. Their unique differentiator is their ability to integrate Dark Fiber with their comprehensive suite of enterprise services, providing a one-stop solution for all connectivity needs.
Mediacom Communications: Mediacom provides robust Dark Fiber services designed to support high-bandwidth applications. Their standout feature is their commitment to no data caps and clear pricing, ensuring businesses can scale their operations without worrying about hidden fees or overage charges.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Chicago
Finally, a network provider is a company that delivers Dark Fiber by leasing or selling unused fiber optic cables to businesses. Unlike local telcos and cable companies with citywide infrastructure, these providers may only cover specific areas depending on network availability, often using a mix of technologies to offer flexible, business-focused solutions.
There are many network providers in Chicago that offer Dark Fiber to choose from. Here's a quick look at all of them based on our network intelligence:
123NET: Provides high-speed fiber internet and colocation services tailored for businesses.
2pifi: Specializes in wireless internet solutions and fiber connectivity for enterprises.
Aero Communications: Offers comprehensive fiber optic and wireless network services.
Allied Telecom Group: Delivers reliable fiber internet and cloud-based communication solutions.
ALLO Communications: Provides fiber optic internet, TV, and phone services for businesses and residents.
altafiber: Offers high-speed fiber internet and business communication solutions.
Angola Cables: Specializes in international connectivity and data center services.
Arelion: Provides global internet backbone and IP transit services.
Arvig: Offers business internet, phone, and managed IT services.
Astrea: Delivers high-speed internet and fiber solutions to rural and underserved areas.
Atlantech Online: Provides fiber internet, data center, and voice services for businesses.
Atlantic Metro: Offers managed network and data center services.
Avelacom: Specializes in low-latency connectivity and IT infrastructure solutions.
BICS: Provides global wholesale carrier services and international connectivity.
Bluebird Network: Offers fiber optic internet and data center services.
Breezeline: Delivers high-speed internet and business communication solutions.
BrightSpeed: Provides fiber internet and communication services for businesses.
BSO: Specializes in global network infrastructure and low-latency connectivity.
CMC Networks: Offers global connectivity and managed network services.
Community Fibre: Provides high-speed fiber internet to homes and businesses.
Consolidated Communications: Delivers fiber internet, voice, and data services.
Cox Communications: Offers fiber internet and business communication solutions.
Crosslake Fibre: Specializes in submarine and terrestrial fiber optic networks.
Crown Castle: Provides extensive fiber infrastructure and connectivity solutions.
DayStarr Communications: Offers fiber internet and communication services for businesses.
Deutsche Telekom: Delivers global connectivity and communication solutions.
Epsilon: Provides global connectivity and cloud networking solutions.
Everywhere Wireless: Offers high-speed internet and fiber solutions for businesses.
ExteNet Systems: Specializes in distributed network systems and fiber connectivity.
Exwire: Provides fiber internet and communication services.
FiberLight: Offers high-capacity fiber optic networks and connectivity solutions.
First Communications: Delivers fiber internet and managed communication services.
Fusion Connect: Provides cloud communication and fiber internet services.
Google Fiber: Offers high-speed fiber internet and TV services.
Granite Telecommunications: Delivers communication solutions and fiber internet for businesses.
Huge Networks: Provides fiber internet and communication services in South Africa.
Hughes: Specializes in satellite and fiber internet solutions.
iFiber: Offers high-speed fiber internet and communication services.
Inteliquent: Provides voice and messaging services over a global IP network.
InterCloud: Specializes in cloud connectivity and managed network services.
Internexa: Offers fiber optic connectivity and data center services in Latin America.
IPTP Networks: Provides global connectivity and managed IT services.
ITC2: Delivers fiber internet and communication solutions for businesses.
JCWIFI: Offers high-speed internet and fiber solutions for rural areas.
Joink: Provides fiber internet and IT services for businesses.
KPN: Delivers fiber internet and communication services in the Netherlands.
Lightpath: Offers high-speed fiber internet and communication solutions.
LIT Networks: Provides fiber optic connectivity and network solutions.
Lynxx Networks: Delivers fiber internet and communication services for businesses.
ManagedWay: Offers fiber internet and managed IT services.
MBC: Provides fiber optic connectivity and communication solutions.
Megaport: Specializes in global network connectivity and cloud services.
Metronet: Offers fiber internet and communication services for businesses and residents.
Midco: Delivers high-speed internet and communication solutions.
MOD Mission Critical: Provides global network and data center services.
MTCO Communications: Offers fiber internet and communication services.
NetIX Communications: Specializes in global internet exchange and connectivity services.
Nextlink Internet: Provides high-speed internet and communication solutions for rural areas.
Nordunet: Delivers high-speed internet and research network services.
PCCW Global: Offers global connectivity and communication solutions.
RETN: Provides international connectivity and network services.
Rise Broadband: Delivers high-speed internet and communication solutions for rural areas.
Segra: Offers fiber optic internet and communication services.
Sinch: Specializes in cloud communication and messaging services.
Sparklight: Provides high-speed internet and communication solutions.
Spectrum: Offers fiber internet and communication services for businesses and residents.
Sprint: Delivers wireless and fiber internet services.
Syringa Networks: Provides fiber optic connectivity and communication solutions.
T-Mobile: Offers wireless and fiber internet services.
Telapex: Delivers fiber internet and communication solutions.
Telekenex: Provides fiber internet and communication services.
Telephone and Data Systems: Offers fiber internet and communication solutions.
Telesystem: Delivers fiber internet and communication services.
Telia Company: Provides global connectivity and communication solutions.
Telkom Indonesia: Offers fiber internet and communication services.
Telstra: Delivers global connectivity and communication solutions.
TELUS: Provides fiber internet and communication services in Canada.
Telxius: Specializes in submarine cable and global connectivity services.
Threshold Communications: Offers fiber internet and communication solutions.
Towerstream: Provides wireless and fiber internet services.
TPT Global Tech: Delivers fiber internet and communication solutions.
TPx Communications: Offers managed IT and fiber internet services.
Uniti Fiber: Provides high-capacity fiber optic networks and connectivity solutions.
Upstream Network: Delivers fiber internet and communication services.
Vivacity Infrastructure Group: Specializes in fiber optic connectivity and infrastructure solutions.
Vodafone: Offers global connectivity and communication solutions.
Webpass: Provides high-speed internet and fiber solutions for businesses and residents.
WhiteSky Communications: Delivers fiber internet and communication services.
Xclutel Communications: Offers fiber internet and communication solutions for businesses.
Zayo: Provides extensive fiber optic networks and connectivity solutions.
Zenlayer: Specializes in global edge cloud services and connectivity.
Zentro: Offers high-speed internet and fiber solutions for businesses and residents.
Overall Connectivity Score in Chicago: High
In Chicago, a high score in provider availability and fiber infrastructure means businesses have more choices and competitive pricing for Dark Fiber. However, even with many options, the right provider depends on specific location needs. Tools like Lightyear simplify this process, ensuring businesses find the best fit for their unique requirements.
Use Lightyear to Find the Perfect Provider
Interested in accessing the full list of providers at the best prices? Lightyear's platform offers unparalleled network intelligence, helping you identify the top Dark Fiber providers in Chicago. With features like real-time data, comprehensive provider comparisons, and expert support, Lightyear ensures you find the perfect fit for your business needs without the hassle.
