Searching for top Dark Fiber providers in Richardson, Texas? 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 are installed but not currently in use. These cables are leased to businesses, which then provide the necessary electronics to 'light' the fiber and make it operational, creating a high-speed, private network.
Dark Fiber providers are highly location-dependent, as the availability of these services hinges on the presence of unused fiber cables and accessible splice points in the desired area. This means that proximity to major cities and existing network infrastructure significantly influences the feasibility of obtaining Dark Fiber services.
Overview of Dark Fiber Providers in Richardson, Texas, United States
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Richardson, Texas, United States, with an estimated 35 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 Richardson, 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 Richardson, with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are telecommunications companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Richardson region in Texas, United States. With extensive fiber infrastructure, they are ideal providers for Dark Fiber, offering service across larger areas compared to regular providers, which may only cover specific regions of the city.
The local telco(s) in Richardson that offer Dark Fiber include:
- AT&T: A major telecommunications provider offering wireless, internet, and device bundles. Known for extensive 5G coverage and competitive deals, including significant discounts on the latest devices with eligible trade-ins.
Local Cable Companies in Richardson with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Richardson, 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 Richardson that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Spectrum: A leading provider of high-speed internet, mobile, cable TV, and home phone services. Offers plans like Internet Advantage (100 Mbps for $30/mo) and Internet Gig (1 Gig for $70/mo).
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Richardson
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 Richardson 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.
- Bigleaf Networks: Offers cloud-first SD-WAN solutions to optimize internet performance and reliability.
- BrightSpeed: Delivers advanced fiber-optic internet services to residential and business customers.
- Comcast: A leading provider of cable television, internet, and phone services for both residential and business customers.
- Cox Communications: Provides digital cable television, telecommunications, and home automation services.
- Crown Castle: Specializes in shared communications infrastructure, including fiber solutions for businesses.
- Delcom: Offers a range of telecommunications services, including high-speed internet and voice solutions.
- Dobson Fiber: Provides fiber-optic internet and data services to businesses and residential customers.
- Earthlink: Known for offering internet access, premium email, web hosting, and privacy and data security products.
- ExteNet Systems: Designs, builds, and operates distributed networks for wireless and fiber connectivity.
- FiberLight: Delivers high-performance fiber-optic network solutions for enterprises and carriers.
- Fusion Connect: Provides cloud communications, connectivity, and managed network services.
- Hughes: Offers satellite internet and managed network services for businesses and consumers.
- Megaport: Provides elastic interconnection services to connect businesses to cloud services and data centers.
- Nextlink Internet: Delivers high-speed internet and voice services to residential, business, and government customers.
- One Ring Networks: Offers a variety of telecommunications services, including fixed wireless and fiber internet.
- Optimum: Provides internet, TV, and phone services with a focus on high-speed connectivity.
- Pavlov Media: Specializes in broadband internet and television services for multi-family and commercial properties.
- PS LIGHTWAVE: Offers high-speed internet and data services tailored for businesses and government entities.
- Rise Broadband: Provides fixed wireless internet services to rural and suburban areas.
- Segra: Delivers advanced fiber network solutions for businesses, including internet, data, and voice services.
- SimpleFiber Communications: Offers fiber-optic internet and network solutions for businesses.
- T-Mobile: Known for its nationwide wireless services, including 5G and business solutions.
- Telekenex: Provides managed network and cloud communication services for businesses.
- Telia Company: Offers a wide range of telecommunications services, including internet and data solutions.
- Totelcom Communications: Provides high-speed internet and telecommunications services to rural areas.
- Towerstream: Delivers fixed wireless broadband services to businesses in urban areas.
- TPT Global Tech: Offers telecommunications and technology solutions, including fiber-optic services.
- Uniti Fiber: Specializes in providing fiber infrastructure solutions for carriers and enterprises.
- Verizon: A leading provider of wireless, internet, and business solutions, including 5G services.
- Windstream: Offers advanced network communications and technology solutions for businesses.
- Zayo: Provides fiber and bandwidth connectivity, colocation, and cloud infrastructure services.
Overall Connectivity Score in Richardson, Texas, United States: High
A high connectivity score in Richardson 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's platform offers unparalleled network intelligence, helping you identify the best Dark Fiber providers in Richardson based on real infrastructure data. With features like automated procurement, detailed provider comparisons, and expert support, Lightyear simplifies the process of finding the perfect fit for your business needs.
Book a demo to explore Lightyear today.
