Looking for the best Dark Fiber providers in Raleigh, North Carolina? Here's your ultimate guide to making an informed choice.
What is Dark Fiber?
Dark Fiber refers to unused fiber optic cables installed by telecom companies but not currently in use. These 'unlit' cables can be leased by companies, who then provide their own transmission equipment to create a network connection, offering full control over the network's architecture, speed, and security.
Dark Fiber providers are highly location-based, as the availability of these services depends on the presence of existing network infrastructure. Proximity to major cities and fiber lines significantly influences the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of deploying Dark Fiber solutions.
Overview of Dark Fiber Providers in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Raleigh, North Carolina, with an estimated 28 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are companies that provide wireline telephone services throughout the Raleigh region in North Carolina, United States. 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 Raleigh that offer Dark Fiber include:
- AT&T: AT&T is a leading telecommunications company in the United States, offering wireless, internet, and entertainment services. The company provides a range of plans, devices, and bundles for personal and business customers, with frequent promotions and nationwide coverage.
- BrightSpeed: Brightspeed is an internet service provider offering fast and reliable fiber and broadband plans for residential and business customers. They emphasize transparent pricing, no annual contracts, and customer support, with a focus on expanding connectivity to underserved areas.
- CenturyLink: CenturyLink is a telecommunications provider offering residential internet, TV, phone, and fiber services. The company provides high-speed internet with unlimited data, no annual contracts, and a variety of plans, including fiber internet with speeds up to 940 Mbps.
- Frontier Communications: Frontier Communications is a provider of fiber internet, TV, and phone services for residential and business customers. The company offers a range of fiber internet speeds, TV and streaming options, phone services, and support resources, with a focus on fiber expansion.
Local Cable Companies in Raleigh with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Raleigh, 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 Raleigh that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Spectrum: Spectrum is a telecommunications provider offering high-speed internet, mobile, cable TV, and home phone services. They feature affordable, contract-free internet plans, mobile bundles, and special programs for low-income households.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Raleigh
Finally, a network provider is a company that delivers Dark Fiber by leasing unused fiber optic cables and providing the necessary transmission equipment. Unlike local telcos and cable companies with citywide infrastructure, these providers may only cover specific areas depending on network availability, often using a mix of technologies to offer flexible, business-focused solutions.
There are many network providers in Raleigh 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.
- Angola Cables: Offers international connectivity solutions and data center services.
- Bandwidth: Provides voice, messaging, and emergency services for businesses.
- Comcast: Delivers high-speed internet, TV, and phone services for residential and business customers.
- Crown Castle: Specializes in communications infrastructure, including fiber solutions and small cell networks.
- Fusion Connect: Offers cloud communications, connectivity, and managed network services.
- Google Fiber: Provides high-speed internet and TV services with a focus on gigabit speeds.
- Granite Telecommunications: Delivers voice, data, and networking services to multi-location businesses.
- Hughes: Offers satellite internet and managed network services for businesses and consumers.
- MBC: Provides fiber optic network solutions and data center services.
- Optimum: Delivers internet, TV, and phone services with a focus on high-speed connectivity.
- Pavlov Media: Specializes in broadband services for multi-family housing and businesses.
- Segra: Offers fiber-based network solutions and managed services for businesses.
- Starvision: Provides satellite and fiber optic communication services.
- Surry Communications: Delivers internet, phone, and TV services with a focus on rural areas.
- T-Mobile: Offers wireless voice, messaging, and data services for consumers and businesses.
- Telephone and Data Systems: Provides telecommunications services, including internet, TV, and phone.
- Uniti Fiber: Specializes in fiber infrastructure solutions for businesses and carriers.
- Verizon: Delivers wireless, internet, and business solutions with extensive coverage.
- Wilkes Communications: Offers internet, phone, and TV services with a focus on rural communities.
- Windstream: Provides advanced network communications and technology solutions for businesses.
- Zayo: Specializes in fiber infrastructure and network solutions for businesses and carriers.
Overall Connectivity Score in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States: Medium
The "Medium" connectivity score in Raleigh reflects a balanced landscape of provider availability, fiber infrastructure, and competition. For businesses seeking Dark Fiber, this means a fair number of choices and competitive pricing. 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's platform leverages advanced network intelligence to help you find the best Dark Fiber providers in Raleigh. With real-time data, expert support, and a user-friendly interface, Lightyear simplifies telecom procurement, ensuring you get the most suitable options for your business needs.
