Looking for the best Dark Fiber providers in Sarasota? 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, equipment, and operations. Now, these unused cables are leased and sold as core network services, where you rent an unused set of fiber lines without any additional transmitters, and you are responsible for setting up and maintaining the electronics to "light" the fiber.
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 Sarasota Offering Dark Fiber
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Sarasota, with an estimated 21 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 Sarasota, 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 Sarasota with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are telecommunications companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Sarasota 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 Sarasota that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Frontier Communications: Frontier Communications is a service provider offering fiber internet, TV, and phone services. They provide various plans and deals, support resources, and corporate information, catering to residential, small business, enterprise, and wholesale customers.
Local Cable Companies in Sarasota with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Sarasota, 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 Sarasota that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Comcast: Comcast is a major telecommunications company offering a range of services including internet, TV, and phone. They provide various plans and deals for both residential and business customers.
- Spectrum: Spectrum offers high-speed internet, mobile, cable TV, and home phone services. They provide various internet plans with no contracts, including options for low-income households and bundled services for better value.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Sarasota
Finally, a network provider is a company that delivers Dark Fiber by leasing unused fiber optic cables to businesses. Unlike local telcos and cable companies with citywide infrastructure, these providers may only cover specific areas depending on network availability. They often use a mix of technologies to offer flexible, business-focused solutions.
There are many network providers in Sarasota that offer Dark Fiber to choose from. Here's a quick look at all of them based on our network intelligence:
- 2pifi: A provider specializing in high-speed internet solutions for both residential and business customers.
- Altius Broadband: Offers broadband internet services with a focus on rural and underserved areas.
- AT&T: A major telecommunications company providing internet, TV, and phone services nationwide.
- CenturyLink: Delivers high-speed internet, phone, and TV services, with a strong presence in both urban and rural areas.
- Crown Castle: Specializes in infrastructure solutions, including fiber networks and small cell technology.
- FiberLight: Provides high-performance fiber optic network solutions for businesses and enterprises.
- Fusion Connect: Offers a range of cloud communications, connectivity, and managed services.
- Granite Telecommunications: Delivers voice, data, and networking services to multi-location businesses.
- Lumen Technologies: Provides a wide array of communication and network services, including fiber solutions.
- Rapid Systems: Focuses on delivering high-speed internet and IT solutions to businesses.
- Summit Broadband: Offers fiber-optic internet, voice, and TV services to residential and business customers.
- T-Mobile: Known for its mobile services, T-Mobile also provides home internet solutions.
- Telia Company: A global provider of network access and telecommunications services.
- Uniti Fiber: Specializes in providing fiber infrastructure solutions for businesses and carriers.
- Verizon: Offers a comprehensive range of business and residential communication services, including fiber internet.
- Windstream: Provides advanced network communications and technology solutions for businesses.
- Zayo: Delivers bandwidth and connectivity solutions over an extensive fiber network.
Overall Connectivity Score in Sarasota: Low
The "Low" connectivity score in Sarasota indicates limited provider availability, sparse fiber infrastructure, and less competition. This often results in fewer options and potentially higher costs for businesses seeking Dark Fiber. Despite this, choosing the right provider still hinges on location-specific availability and business needs, making procurement tools like Lightyear invaluable 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 Sarasota by leveraging real infrastructure data. Our platform offers expert support, comprehensive network intelligence, and tailored recommendations to meet your business needs.
