Looking for the best Dark Fiber providers in Wilmington? 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.
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 along the fiber lines connecting these cities. Outside of these areas, it becomes more challenging for carriers to justify the investment in fiber installations due to high CapEx and project management costs.
Overview of Providers in Wilmington Offering Dark Fiber
There are many Dark Fiber providers to choose from in Wilmington, with an estimated 26 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 Wilmington, 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 Wilmington with Dark Fiber
Local telcos are telecommunications companies that offer wireline telephone services throughout the Wilmington 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 Wilmington that offer Dark Fiber include:
- AT&T: AT&T is a leading telecommunications company offering wireless, internet, and TV services. They provide a range of plans and devices, including promotional offers for new lines and trade-in deals for iPhones.
- Frontier Communications: Frontier Communications provides fiber internet, TV, and phone services. They offer various plans and deals tailored to residential, small business, and enterprise customers, emphasizing high-speed internet and reliable connectivity.
- Verizon: Verizon offers a range of business solutions including mobile plans, internet services, network solutions, and more. They provide reliable and innovative services to help businesses enhance efficiency and connectivity.
Local Cable Companies in Wilmington with Dark Fiber
Local cable companies originally built cable television infrastructure throughout Wilmington, 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 Wilmington that offer Dark Fiber include:
- Comcast: Comcast is a major telecommunications company offering a range of services including internet, cable TV, and phone services. They provide high-speed internet and various bundling options for residential and business customers.
- Spectrum: Spectrum offers high-speed internet, mobile, cable TV, and home phone services. They provide various internet plans, including options for low-income households, and promote bundling services for additional savings.
Other Network Providers with Dark Fiber in Wilmington
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 Wilmington 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 businesses and residential customers.
- Agile Networks: Offers advanced broadband solutions and network infrastructure services across various sectors.
- altafiber: Delivers comprehensive fiber optic internet and communication services for businesses.
- BrightSpeed: Provides reliable internet and communication services with a focus on customer satisfaction.
- Crown Castle: A leading provider of shared communications infrastructure, including fiber solutions.
- ExteNet Systems: Specializes in designing and deploying distributed networks for enhanced connectivity.
- GoNetspeed: Offers high-speed fiber internet services to residential and business customers.
- Hughes: Provides satellite internet and networking solutions for consumers and businesses.
- Intelliwave: Delivers broadband internet and communication services to underserved areas.
- Maryland Broadband Cooperative: Aims to expand broadband access and improve connectivity in Maryland.
- Point Broadband: Offers high-speed internet and communication services with a focus on rural areas.
- Rise Broadband: Provides fixed wireless internet services to residential and business customers.
- Segra: Delivers advanced fiber network solutions and managed services for businesses.
- Starvision: Offers satellite TV and internet services to residential and commercial customers.
- T-Mobile: A major telecommunications provider offering mobile and internet services nationwide.
- Telephone and Data Systems: Provides a range of communication services, including high-speed internet and phone.
- Uniti Fiber: Specializes in providing fiber infrastructure and connectivity solutions for businesses.
- Wilkes Communications: Offers broadband internet, phone, and TV services to residential and business customers.
- Windstream: Provides advanced network communications and technology solutions for businesses.
- Zayo: Delivers fiber network and bandwidth connectivity solutions for businesses and data centers.
Overall Connectivity Score in Wilmington: Medium
The "Medium" connectivity score in Wilmington reflects a balanced mix of provider availability, fiber infrastructure, and competition. For businesses seeking Dark Fiber, this means a moderate range of choices and competitive pricing. However, the right provider still depends on specific location needs, making tools like Lightyear essential for efficient procurement.
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 Wilmington by leveraging real infrastructure data. Our platform offers expert support, comprehensive network intelligence, and tailored recommendations to ensure you get the most suitable options for your business needs.
