Looking for the best Dark Fiber providers in Irvine? 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 unused fiber optic cables that were installed by telecommunications companies in the 1980s and 1990s. These cables were laid in excess to save future costs associated with labor and equipment. Now, these unused cables are leased and sold as core network services.
Dark Fiber providers are also location-based because they depend on the availability of a specific network infrastructure in a given area. The availability of dark fiber services is higher near major cities and their connective infrastructure. Outside of these areas, it becomes more challenging for carriers to justify the investment in fiber installations.
Overview of Providers in Irvine Offering Dark Fiber
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Irvine, with an estimated 33 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 Irvine, 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 Irvine with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Irvine region and 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 Irvine that offer Dark Fiber include:
- AT&T: AT&T offers a range of wireless and internet services, including deals on new phone lines, trade-in offers for iPhones, and high-speed home internet. Customers can shop online or contact support for assistance.
Local Cable Companies in Irvine with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Irvine, 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 Irvine that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Cox Communications: A leading provider of digital cable television, telecommunications, and home automation services in the United States.
- Spectrum: Spectrum offers high-speed internet, mobile, cable TV, and home phone services. Internet plans start at $30/month for 1 year, with speeds up to 1 Gig.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Irvine
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 Irvine 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 solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- California Telecom: Offers a range of telecom services including VoIP, internet, and managed IT services.
- CenturyLink: Provides internet, phone, and TV services, with a focus on high-speed fiber internet.
- Comcast: A leading provider of cable television, internet, and phone services in the United States.
- Consolidated Smart Systems: Delivers internet and TV services tailored for multi-dwelling units and residential communities.
- Cox Communications: Offers digital cable television, telecommunications, and home automation services.
- Crown Castle: Specializes in providing wireless infrastructure solutions, including small cells and fiber networks.
- DMR Communications: Provides high-speed internet and voice services for businesses.
- Earthlink: Offers internet services, including high-speed DSL and fiber, as well as web hosting and online backup.
- Fusion Connect: Delivers cloud communications, connectivity, and managed network services.
- Google Fiber: Provides high-speed internet and TV services with a focus on gigabit speeds.
- Lumen Technologies: Offers a range of communication and network services, including fiber internet and cloud solutions.
- Megaport: Specializes in providing elastic interconnection services for businesses.
- Mho Networks: Delivers high-speed internet and private network solutions for businesses.
- Nextlink Internet: Provides high-speed internet and voice services, primarily in rural and underserved areas.
- One Ring Networks: Offers a variety of telecom services, including fixed wireless and fiber internet.
- Spectrotel: Provides managed services, including voice, internet, and cloud solutions for businesses.
- T-Mobile: Known for its mobile phone services, T-Mobile also offers home internet solutions.
- Telekenex: Delivers business communication solutions, including VoIP and internet services.
- Telia Company: A major telecom operator offering a range of services, including mobile and fixed-line communications.
- Tierzero: Provides high-speed internet and voice services tailored for businesses.
- Towerstream: Specializes in fixed wireless broadband services for businesses.
- TPx Communications: Offers managed IT, unified communications, and network services.
- Transtelco: Provides telecom services, including internet and voice, primarily in the U.S. and Mexico border regions.
- Ultimate Internet Access: Delivers high-speed internet and network solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- Verizon: Offers a wide range of telecom services, including mobile, internet, and business solutions.
- Webpass: Provides high-speed internet services, primarily in urban areas.
- WiLine Networks: Specializes in delivering high-speed internet and voice services for businesses.
- Windstream: Offers internet, phone, and digital TV services, with a focus on rural areas.
- Zayo: Provides fiber-based bandwidth and connectivity solutions for businesses.
Overall Connectivity Score in Irvine: High
A high connectivity score in Irvine signifies robust provider availability, extensive fiber infrastructure, and healthy competition. This translates to more choices and competitive pricing for businesses seeking Dark Fiber. 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 simplifies the process of finding the best Dark Fiber providers in Irvine by leveraging real infrastructure data. Our platform offers expert support, comprehensive network intelligence, and tailored recommendations to ensure you get the most suitable options for your business needs.
