Looking for the best Dark Fiber providers in Columbus, Ohio? Here's your ultimate guide to making an informed choice.
What is Dark Fiber?
Dark Fiber refers to fiber-optic cables installed by telecommunications companies that are not currently in use. These unlit cables, often laid in excess during the 1980s and 1990s, are available for lease or purchase, allowing businesses to install their own transmission equipment and create a customized network.
Dark Fiber providers are highly location-dependent, relying on the presence of unused fiber-optic cables and accessible splice points in the area. This infrastructure is typically more available in major cities and along key intercity routes, where the initial investment in fiber installation is justified by anticipated demand.
Overview of Dark Fiber Providers in Columbus, Ohio, United States
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Columbus, Ohio, United States, with an estimated 48 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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are telecommunications companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Columbus region in Ohio, United States. They possess extensive fiber infrastructure, making them ideal providers for Dark Fiber, capable of offering service across larger areas compared to regular providers, which may only cover specific regions of the city.
The local telco(s) in Columbus that offer Dark Fiber include:
- AT&T: A major telecommunications provider in the U.S., offering wireless, internet, and bundled services. No specific details on Dark Fiber offerings.
- BrightSpeed: Provides fiber and broadband internet plans with various speed tiers. No specific details on Dark Fiber offerings.
- Frontier Communications: Offers fiber internet, TV, and phone services with multiple speed options. No specific details on Dark Fiber offerings.
- Kalida Telephone Company: Local provider in Kalida, Ohio, offering telephone, high-speed internet, and cable TV services. No specific details on Dark Fiber offerings.
Local Cable Companies in Columbus with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Columbus, 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 Columbus that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Comcast: A major telecommunications provider offering internet, TV, and phone services. No specific details on Dark Fiber offerings or pricing available.
- Consolidated Communications: Provides high-speed internet, phone, and streaming TV services. No specific details on Dark Fiber offerings or pricing available.
- Hanson Communications: Local provider with contact information available. No specific details on services or Dark Fiber offerings.
- Mediacom Communications: Offers internet, TV, phone, and mobile services. No specific details on Dark Fiber offerings or pricing available.
- Sparklight: Internet service provider emphasizing fiber-powered network and reliability. No specific details on Dark Fiber offerings or pricing available.
- Spectrum: Provides high-speed internet, mobile, cable TV, and home phone services. No specific details on Dark Fiber offerings or pricing available.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Columbus
Finally, a network provider is a company that delivers 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 Columbus 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.
- Agile Networks: Delivers advanced data networking and broadband solutions across Ohio.
- altafiber: Offers comprehensive fiber-optic internet and communication services for businesses.
- ARMSTRONG: Provides high-speed internet, TV, and phone services with a focus on reliability.
- Breezeline: Delivers broadband internet, TV, and phone services to residential and business customers.
- Bresco Broadband: Offers high-speed internet and networking solutions tailored for businesses.
- Buckeye Broadband: Provides internet, TV, and phone services with a focus on customer satisfaction.
- BullsEye Telecom: Specializes in providing managed telecom services and solutions for businesses.
- CenturyLink: Offers a range of internet, phone, and TV services with extensive fiber infrastructure.
- Citynet: Provides high-speed internet, data, and voice services for businesses and residential customers.
- Cox Communications: Delivers internet, TV, and phone services with a focus on innovation and customer service.
- Crown Castle: Specializes in providing infrastructure solutions for wireless communications and fiber networks.
- Dixie-Net: Offers high-speed internet and networking solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- EnTelegent Solutions: Provides managed network and communication services tailored for businesses.
- ExteNet Systems: Specializes in providing advanced network infrastructure solutions for businesses.
- First Communications: Offers a range of communication and networking services for businesses.
- FirstLight: Provides fiber-optic internet and communication services for businesses and enterprises.
- Fusion Connect: Delivers managed communication and network services for businesses.
- Georgia Public Web: Offers high-speed internet and networking solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- Granite Telecommunications: Specializes in providing communication solutions for businesses of all sizes.
- Intelliwave: Provides high-speed internet and networking solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- Megaport: Offers network connectivity solutions for businesses with a focus on flexibility and scalability.
- Metalink Technologies: Provides high-speed internet and networking solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- MetTel: Delivers managed communication and network services for businesses.
- Nextlink Internet: Offers high-speed internet and networking solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- One Ring Networks: Provides high-speed internet and communication services for businesses.
- Point Broadband: Offers high-speed internet and networking solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- Segra: Specializes in providing advanced fiber-optic network solutions for businesses.
- Spectrotel: Delivers managed communication and network services for businesses.
- T-Mobile: Offers wireless communication services and high-speed internet solutions for businesses.
- TailWind Voice & Data: Provides managed communication and network services for businesses.
- Telapex: Offers high-speed internet and networking solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- Telesystem: Delivers managed communication and network services for businesses.
- Telia Company: Provides advanced communication and network solutions for businesses.
- Uniti Fiber: Specializes in providing fiber-optic network solutions for businesses.
- Verizon: Offers a range of communication and network services with extensive fiber infrastructure.
- Zayo: Provides fiber-optic network solutions and communication services for businesses.
Overall Connectivity Score in Columbus, Ohio, United States: High
A high connectivity score in Columbus means businesses have access to a wide range of Dark Fiber providers, thanks to robust fiber infrastructure and intense competition. This abundance of options often leads to competitive pricing. However, the right provider still depends on specific location needs, making tools like Lightyear essential for efficient selection.
Use Lightyear to Find the Perfect Provider
Interested in accessing the full list of providers at the best prices? Lightyear's platform leverages advanced network intelligence to help you find the perfect Dark Fiber provider in Columbus. With real-time data, comprehensive provider comparisons, and expert support, Lightyear simplifies telecom procurement, ensuring you get the best fit for your business needs.
