Looking for the top Dark Fiber providers in Tempe? Here's your ultimate guide to making an informed choice.
What is Dark Fiber?
Dark Fiber, also known as unlit or black fiber, refers to fiber optic cables that have been laid by telecommunications providers but are not currently in use. These cables were installed in the 1980s and 1990s with the foresight that future demand for data transfer would increase. The cost of installation was primarily due to labor and equipment, not the cables themselves, so extra cables were laid to save future costs. These unused cables are now leased or sold as core network services.
Dark Fiber providers are also location-based because they depend on the availability of a specific network infrastructure in a given area. Dark fiber is more accessible near major cities where connections are made via splice points. Outside major cities, it becomes trickier for carriers to justify the investment in fiber installations.
Overview of Providers in Tempe Offering Dark Fiber
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Tempe, with an estimated 41 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 Tempe, 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 Tempe with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are telecommunications companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Tempe 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 telcos in Tempe that offer Dark Fiber are:
- CenturyLink: CenturyLink offers reliable, secure high-speed internet, TV, and phone services for residential customers. With options like Simply Unlimited Internet and Fiber Internet, CenturyLink provides various plans to meet different online needs.
- Lumen Technologies: Lumen Technologies offers advanced networking, edge cloud, security, and collaboration solutions. It partners with leading technology companies to deliver innovative, scalable, and secure services to businesses worldwide.
Local Cable Companies in Tempe with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Tempe, 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 companies in Tempe that offer Dark Fiber are:
- Cox Communications: Cox Communications offers a range of residential and business services, including high-speed internet, TV, and phone services.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Tempe
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 Tempe 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 solutions for both residential and business customers.
- AirFiber: Offers wireless internet services with a focus on high-speed connectivity and reliability.
- ALLO Communications: Delivers fiber-optic internet, TV, and phone services to residential and business customers.
- Alluvion Communications: Provides comprehensive telecommunications services, including internet, voice, and data solutions.
- Arelion: A global provider of high-performance network solutions, including IP and transport services.
- AT&T: Offers a wide range of telecommunications services, including mobile, internet, and TV.
- BrightSpeed: Focuses on delivering high-speed internet and communication services to underserved areas.
- Comcast: Provides cable television, internet, and phone services under the Xfinity brand.
- Cox Communications: Offers a variety of residential and business services, including high-speed internet, TV, and phone.
- Earthlink: Provides internet services, including high-speed broadband and wireless solutions.
- ExteNet Systems: Specializes in designing and deploying distributed networks for enhanced connectivity.
- Fusion Connect: Offers cloud communications, connectivity, and managed services for businesses.
- Granite Telecommunications: Provides voice, data, and networking services to multi-location businesses.
- ITC2: Delivers a range of IT and telecommunications services, including internet and cloud solutions.
- Mammoth Networks: Offers wholesale internet and data transport services to ISPs and businesses.
- Megaport: Provides network-as-a-service solutions, enabling businesses to connect to cloud services.
- Nextlink Internet: Delivers high-speed internet and voice services to residential and business customers.
- One Ring Networks: Offers a variety of telecommunications services, including internet, voice, and data solutions.
- Optimum: Provides internet, TV, and phone services to residential and business customers.
- Orbitel Communications: Offers cable TV, internet, and phone services to residential and business customers.
- Pavlov Media: Specializes in providing internet and video services to multi-dwelling units and businesses.
- Planters Telephone Cooperative: Offers telecommunications services, including internet and phone, to rural areas.
- Quantum Fiber: Provides fiber-optic internet services to residential and business customers.
- SiFi Networks: Builds and operates open-access fiber networks for cities and communities.
- Sparklight: Offers high-speed internet, TV, and phone services to residential and business customers.
- Spectrum: Provides cable TV, internet, and phone services to residential and business customers.
- Sprint: Offers mobile and wireless services, now part of T-Mobile.
- T-Mobile: Provides mobile and wireless services, including 5G connectivity.
- Telia Company: A global telecommunications provider offering a range of services, including internet and mobile.
- TPT Global Tech: Provides telecommunications and technology solutions, including internet and media services.
- Transtelco: Offers telecommunications services, including internet and data transport, across the U.S. and Mexico.
- Triad Wireless: Provides high-speed wireless internet services to residential and business customers.
- Upstream Network: Delivers high-speed internet and managed services to residential and business customers.
- Verizon: Offers a wide range of telecommunications services, including mobile, internet, and TV.
- Viasat: Provides satellite internet services to residential and business customers.
- Wecom: Offers internet and telecommunications services to residential and business customers.
- Windstream: Provides high-speed internet, phone, and digital TV services to residential and business customers.
- Zayo: Offers fiber infrastructure and network solutions to businesses and carriers.
Overall Connectivity Score in Tempe: High
A high connectivity score in Tempe signifies robust provider availability, extensive fiber infrastructure, and healthy competition. This benefits businesses seeking Dark Fiber by offering more choices and competitive pricing. However, the right provider still depends 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 simplifies the process of finding the best Dark Fiber providers in Tempe by leveraging advanced network intelligence. Our platform offers real-time data, comprehensive provider comparisons, and expert support to ensure you make informed decisions effortlessly.
