Looking for the best Dark Fiber providers in Manchester in England? 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, installed primarily in the 1980s and 1990s, are not currently transmitting data, allowing customers to lease or purchase them for private network use.
Dark Fiber providers are highly location-dependent, as the availability of these unused cables varies by region. Proximity to major cities increases the likelihood of access, but even then, connections depend on existing splice points and the willingness of carriers to create new ones.
Overview of Dark Fiber Providers in Manchester, England
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Manchester, England, with an estimated 29 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. 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester, with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are telecommunications companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Manchester region in England. 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 Manchester that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Consolidated Communications: Consolidated Communications offers high-speed internet (including fiber), phone (VoIP and traditional), and streaming TV services for residential customers, as well as advanced data, voice, cloud, and networking solutions for businesses and wholesale clients.
- Frontier Communications: Frontier Communications is a provider of fiber internet, TV, and phone services for residential, small business, enterprise, and wholesale customers. The company offers a range of fiber internet speeds, TV and streaming options, phone services, and customer support resources.
Local Cable Companies in Manchester with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Manchester, 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 Dedicated Internet Access (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 Manchester that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Comcast: Comcast is a major telecommunications provider offering a range of services including high-speed internet, cable TV, and phone services.
- Cox Communications: Cox Communications provides residential and business internet, TV, and phone services, known for its reliable connectivity and customer support.
- Spectrum: Spectrum offers high-speed internet, mobile, cable TV, and home phone services, with plans starting at $30 per month for one year.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Manchester
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 Manchester 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 networking solutions for businesses.
- AT&T: Offers a wide range of telecommunications services, including fiber internet, mobile, and TV services.
- Ben Lomand Connect: Provides fiber internet, phone, and TV services to residential and business customers.
- CityFibre: Focuses on building and operating fiber networks to deliver gigabit-speed internet across the UK.
- Cox Communications: Known for its reliable internet, TV, and phone services for both residential and business customers.
- Crown Castle: Specializes in providing infrastructure solutions, including fiber networks and small cell technology.
- DSCI: Offers managed IT and cloud services, including secure and scalable network solutions.
- EXA Infrastructure: Provides high-capacity network infrastructure services across Europe and North America.
- FiberCast: Delivers high-speed fiber internet and networking solutions tailored for businesses.
- FirstLight: Offers fiber-optic data, internet, data center, and voice services to enterprise and carrier customers.
- Fusion Connect: Provides cloud communications, secure networking, and managed IT services.
- Gamma Telecom: Specializes in unified communications, including voice, data, and mobile services for businesses.
- GoNetspeed: Offers high-speed fiber internet services to residential and business customers.
- NEOS Networks: Provides high-capacity fiber networks and connectivity solutions for businesses across the UK.
- Optimum: Delivers internet, TV, and phone services with a focus on high-speed connectivity.
- T-Mobile: Known for its mobile services, T-Mobile also offers home internet and business solutions.
- TalkTalk: Provides broadband, TV, and phone services with a focus on affordability and reliability.
- Telephone and Data Systems: Offers a range of telecommunications services, including high-speed internet and phone services.
- Verizon: Provides a wide array of telecommunications services, including fiber internet, mobile, and business solutions.
- Vodafone: Offers mobile, fixed-line, and broadband services with a strong focus on business connectivity.
- Windstream: Delivers advanced network communications and technology solutions for businesses and residential customers.
- YouFibre: Specializes in providing ultra-fast fiber broadband services to homes and businesses.
- Zayo: Offers extensive fiber network solutions, including dark fiber, wavelength, and Ethernet services.
- Zen Internet: Provides reliable broadband, hosting, and cloud services for both residential and business customers.
Overall Connectivity Score in Manchester, England: High
The "High" connectivity score in Manchester signifies robust provider availability, extensive fiber infrastructure, and healthy competition. For businesses seeking Dark Fiber, this translates to more choices and competitive pricing. However, selecting the right provider still hinges on location-specific availability and business needs, making procurement 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 advanced network intelligence and procurement tools make it easy to find the best Dark Fiber providers in Manchester. With real-time data, expert support, and a user-friendly platform, Lightyear helps businesses navigate telecom procurement effortlessly.
