Looking for the best Dark Fiber providers in Des Moines? 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 were installed in the 1980s and 1990s with the foresight that future demand for data transfer would increase. Leasing these unused cables allows companies to set up their own private networks by "lighting" the fiber themselves.
Dark Fiber providers are inherently location-based, as their services depend on the availability of specific network infrastructure in a given area. The closer a location is to major cities or existing fiber lines, the more likely it is to have access to Dark Fiber services. This geographical dependency is due to the high costs associated with installing and maintaining fiber optic networks.
Overview of Providers in Des Moines Offering Dark Fiber
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Des Moines, with an estimated 34 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are telecommunications companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Des Moines region. They possess extensive fiber infrastructure, making them ideal providers for Dark Fiber. These companies can offer service across larger areas, while regular providers may only have coverage in specific regions of the city.
The local telco(s) in Des Moines that offer Dark Fiber include:
- CL Tel: From the moment the first telephone became available in Clear Lake till now, we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing cutting-edge technology to our communities.
- Lumen Technologies: Lumen Technologies offers a wide range of business and enterprise technology solutions designed to deliver intuitive networking, cybersecurity, and edge cloud experiences.
Local Cable Companies in Des Moines with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Des Moines, 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 Des Moines that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Comcast: Comcast is a leading provider of cable television, internet, and phone services in the United States. They offer a variety of packages tailored to both residential and business customers.
- Mediacom Communications: Mediacom Communications offers a range of services including high-speed internet, TV, phone, and mobile services. They emphasize clear pricing, no data caps, advanced WiFi, and reliable customer support.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Des Moines
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 Des Moines 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.
- AT&T: A leading telecommunications company offering a wide range of services including internet, phone, and TV.
- Complete Communication Services: Offers comprehensive communication solutions tailored to business needs.
- Consolidated Communications: Provides reliable internet, voice, and data services for residential and business customers.
- Coon Valley Cooperative Telephone Association: Delivers high-quality telecommunications services to rural communities.
- Cox Communications: Offers a variety of digital cable television, telecommunications, and home automation services.
- Evertek: Provides internet and communication services with a focus on rural areas.
- ExteNet Systems: Specializes in designing and deploying distributed networks for enhanced connectivity.
- GigFire: Focuses on delivering high-speed fiber internet to underserved areas.
- Jefferson Telecom: Offers a range of telecommunications services including internet, phone, and TV.
- Long Lines: Provides internet, cable TV, and phone services with a focus on customer satisfaction.
- Metronet: Delivers 100% fiber optic internet, TV, and phone services to residential and business customers.
- Omnitel: Offers a variety of telecommunications services including mobile and internet solutions.
- Quantum Fiber: Provides next-generation fiber internet services for homes and businesses.
- Rise Broadband: Delivers high-speed internet and digital voice services to rural and suburban areas.
- Segra: Offers a comprehensive suite of connectivity, cloud, and security solutions for businesses.
- Sharon Telephone Company: Provides reliable telecommunications services to local communities.
- South Front Networks: Specializes in providing high-speed internet and network solutions for businesses.
- Spencer Municipal Utilities: Offers utility services including high-speed internet, cable TV, and phone.
- StarNet: Provides a range of internet and telecommunications services with a focus on innovation.
- Sully Telephone Association: Delivers high-quality telecommunications services to rural communities.
- T-Mobile: A leading mobile network operator offering a variety of wireless services.
- TailWind Voice & Data: Provides managed services and network solutions for businesses.
- Telephone and Data Systems: Offers a wide range of telecommunications services including internet, phone, and TV.
- TPT Global Tech: Specializes in telecommunications and technology solutions for businesses.
- Unggoy Broadband: Provides high-speed internet services with a focus on rural areas.
- Verizon: A leading provider of wireless, internet, and business solutions.
- Webpass: Offers high-speed internet services with a focus on simplicity and reliability.
- Zayo: Provides bandwidth and connectivity solutions for businesses and data centers.
Overall Connectivity Score in Des Moines: High
A high connectivity score in Des Moines signifies robust provider availability, extensive fiber infrastructure, and healthy competition. This abundance translates to more choices and competitive pricing for businesses seeking Dark Fiber. However, selecting the right provider still hinges on location-specific availability and business needs, making tools like Lightyear invaluable 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 simplifies the process of finding the best Dark Fiber providers in Des Moines. Our platform offers real-time data, expert support, and comprehensive network intelligence to help you make informed decisions. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, Lightyear ensures you get the best connectivity solutions tailored to your needs.
