Looking for the best Dark Fiber providers in Minneapolis in Minnesota, United States? Here's your ultimate guide to making an informed choice.
What is Dark Fiber?
Dark Fiber refers to unused fiber-optic cables installed by telecommunications companies. These cables, also known as 'unlit' or 'black' fiber, are leased to businesses who then install their own equipment to transmit data, creating a private, high-speed network.
Dark Fiber providers are highly dependent on the availability of existing network infrastructure. The presence of unused fiber-optic cables and specific splice points in a given area determines whether Dark Fiber services can be offered, making geographic location a critical factor.
Overview of Dark Fiber Providers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, with an estimated 32 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 providers 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 Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis, with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are telecommunications companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Minneapolis region in Minnesota, United States. With extensive fiber infrastructure, they are 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 Minneapolis that offer Dark Fiber include:
- CenturyLink: A leading telecommunications company offering high-speed internet, TV, phone, and smart home services. Known for its reliable fiber internet with speeds up to 940 Mbps and no annual contracts.
- Lumen Technologies: Specializes in business and enterprise technology solutions, including Dark Fiber. Provides scalable, high-capacity fiber networks and AI-ready infrastructure for digital transformation.
Local Cable Companies in Minneapolis with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Comcast: A major telecommunications company offering a range of services including high-speed internet, TV, and phone services. Known for its extensive network infrastructure.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Minneapolis
Finally, network providers are companies that deliver 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 Minneapolis 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.
- AcenTek: Offers a range of telecommunications services, including fiber-optic internet and phone services.
- Arvig: Delivers comprehensive business connectivity solutions, including Dark Fiber and managed IT services.
- AT&T: A global leader in telecommunications, offering high-speed internet, mobile, and enterprise solutions.
- Consolidated Communications: Provides reliable internet, voice, and data services for businesses and residential customers.
- Cox Communications: Known for its extensive cable and internet services, including business-grade fiber solutions.
- Earthlink: Offers high-speed internet and managed network services tailored for businesses.
- ExteNet Systems: Specializes in providing advanced network infrastructure solutions, including Dark Fiber.
- Fusion Connect: Delivers cloud communications, connectivity, and managed network services.
- GigFire: Focuses on providing high-speed fiber internet and network solutions for businesses.
- Hiawatha Broadband Communications: Offers fiber-optic internet, TV, and phone services to businesses and residential customers.
- Inteliquent: Provides voice and messaging services over a robust fiber network.
- KMTelecom: Delivers high-speed internet, phone, and TV services, with a focus on fiber-optic connectivity.
- Megaport: Offers scalable, on-demand connectivity solutions for businesses, including Dark Fiber.
- Metronet: Provides fiber-optic internet, TV, and phone services to residential and business customers.
- Midco: Delivers high-speed internet, cable TV, and phone services, with a strong focus on fiber infrastructure.
- Nextlink Internet: Specializes in providing high-speed internet and network solutions for rural and underserved areas.
- Pavlov Media: Offers fiber-optic internet and managed network services for multi-tenant properties and businesses.
- Quantum Fiber: Provides high-speed fiber internet and network solutions for residential and business customers.
- Sinch: Specializes in cloud communications and messaging services over a robust network infrastructure.
- Sparklight: Offers high-speed internet, TV, and phone services, with a focus on fiber-optic connectivity.
- Spectrum: Known for its extensive cable and internet services, including business-grade fiber solutions.
- T-Mobile: Provides mobile and internet services, with a growing focus on 5G and fiber-optic connectivity.
- TailWind Voice & Data: Delivers managed network services and connectivity solutions for businesses.
- Telephone and Data Systems: Offers a range of telecommunications services, including fiber-optic internet and phone services.
- Upstream Network: Provides high-speed internet and network solutions for multi-tenant properties and businesses.
- Verizon: A global leader in telecommunications, offering high-speed internet, mobile, and enterprise solutions.
- Zayo: Specializes in providing fiber-optic bandwidth, connectivity, and colocation services for businesses.
Overall Connectivity Score in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States: High
The high connectivity score in Minneapolis 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 simplifies the process of finding the best Dark Fiber providers in Minneapolis by leveraging real infrastructure data and network intelligence. Our platform offers expert support, detailed comparisons, and location-specific availability to ensure you make an informed decision.
