Dark Fiber Market Summary
As per Market Research Future Analysis, the Dark Fiber Market was valued at USD 6.3 Billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 13.23 Billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 8.40% from 2024 to 2032. The growth is driven by increasing demand for internet bandwidth and the rollout of 5G networks, which require enhanced connectivity. Dark fiber offers a cost-effective solution for organizations to expand their network capacity without new installations, making it a preferred choice for telecom and network service providers.
Key Market Trends & Highlights
The demand for dark fiber is surging due to the need for high-speed connectivity and the expansion of 5G networks.
- Dark Fiber Market Size in 2023: USD 6.3 Billion.
- Projected Market Size by 2032: USD 13.23 Billion.
- CAGR from 2024 to 2032: 8.40%.
- 5G technology is a significant driver for dark fiber demand.
Market Size & Forecast
2023 Market Size: USD 6.3 Billion
2024 Market Size: USD 6.90 Billion
2032 Market Size: USD 13.23 Billion
CAGR (2024-2032): 8.40%.
Major Players
Key players include GTT Communications, Landmark Dividend LLC, Unite Private Networks, Consolidated Communications, Crown Castle, NexGen Networks, Sorrento Networks, FirstLight, and Windstream Intellectual Property Services, LLC.
Figure 1: Dark Fiber Market Size, 2024-2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
Dark Fiber Market Trends
Dark Fiber demand is increasing due to need of better connectivity.
The demand for dark fiber is indeed increasing due to the rollout of 5G networks. 5G technology requires a significant increase in the number of cell towers and other network infrastructure, and this requires a high-speed and reliable connection between these towers and the core network. In addition to cost-effectiveness, dark fiber is easy to access, as it is typically available in urban areas where fiber optic infrastructure has already been installed. This makes it a convenient option for organizations seeking to expand their network capacity without the need to invest in the installation of new fiber optic cables.
Dark fiber is a cost-effective and efficient way to provide this connectivity, as it can provide the necessary bandwidth and low-latency connectivity required for 5G networks. With dark fiber, network operators can have greater control over their network infrastructure and the bandwidth they require and can avoid the potential slowdowns and security risks associated with sharing a public network.
In addition, 5G networks are expected to drive the growth of new technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and autonomous vehicles, all of which require fast and reliable connectivity. Dark fiber can provide the necessary bandwidth and low-latency connectivity to support these technologies, making it an important part of the 5G infrastructure.
Overall, the demand for dark fiber is increasing due to the need for high-speed and reliable connectivity to support the growth of 5G networks and the technologies that rely on them.
Figure 2: Dark Fiber Market Size, By Region 2022 & 2030 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review
The adoption of cutting-edge networking systems supported by research institutes and the increasing demand for fiber networks in ISPs and telecommunications are also anticipated to fuel market revenue development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Dark Fiber Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
The massive number of workers, who adapted to the new home-based, remote working environments, raised the demand for high-speed network connectivity. Also, due to the enormous number of people staying at home during the pandemic, demand for OTT platforms peaked. On the other hand, telecom, and network service provider embraced dark fibers fast to increase their connectivity options.
Major players in the dark fiber market, including GTT Communications, Inc., Landmark Dividend LLC., Unite Private Networks, Consolidated Communications, Crown Castle, NexGen Networks, Sorrento Networks, FirstLight, and Windstream Intellectual Property Services, LLC., and others are focusing on developing their business strategies.
Key Companies in the Dark Fiber market includes
- GTT Communications, Inc.
- Vikram Group
- UFINET
- DEPL
- Landmark Dividend LLC.
- Unite Private Networks
- Sterlite Power
- Colt Technology Services Group Limited
- Consolidated Communications
- Crown Castle
- NexGen Networks
- Sorrento Networks
- FirstLight
- Microscan
- Windstream Intellectual Property Services, LLC
Dark Fiber Industry Developments
- Q2 2024: Zayo Group to Expand Dark Fiber Network in Texas with New Route Zayo Group announced the launch of a new dark fiber route in Texas, expanding its network to support growing demand from data centers and enterprise customers in the region.
- Q2 2024: Crown Castle Announces Completion of Major Dark Fiber Expansion in Phoenix Crown Castle completed a significant dark fiber network expansion in Phoenix, Arizona, aimed at supporting 5G deployments and enterprise connectivity.
- Q3 2024: Lumen Technologies Secures Multi-Year Dark Fiber Contract with U.S. Federal Agency Lumen Technologies announced it has been awarded a multi-year contract to provide dark fiber infrastructure to a major U.S. federal agency, enhancing secure government communications.
- Q3 2024: euNetworks Acquires Onstage Online to Expand Dark Fiber Footprint in Austria euNetworks completed the acquisition of Onstage Online GmbH, strengthening its dark fiber network presence in Austria and Central Europe.
- Q4 2024: Aqua Comms Launches New Transatlantic Dark Fiber Route Connecting New York and Dublin Aqua Comms announced the launch of a new transatlantic dark fiber route, providing high-capacity, low-latency connectivity between New York and Dublin for hyperscale and enterprise customers.
- Q4 2024: Colt Technology Services Partners with Equinix to Deliver Dark Fiber Solutions Across Europe Colt Technology Services entered a partnership with Equinix to provide dark fiber connectivity between key data centers in major European cities.
- Q1 2025: Consolidated Communications Expands Dark Fiber Network in Chicago Metro Area Consolidated Communications announced the expansion of its dark fiber network in the Chicago metropolitan area, targeting enterprise and carrier customers.
- Q1 2025: Zayo Group Announces New Dark Fiber Route Connecting Atlanta and Miami Zayo Group launched a new long-haul dark fiber route connecting Atlanta and Miami, enhancing connectivity options for cloud and content providers.
- Q2 2025: EXA Infrastructure Acquires Dark Fiber Assets from FiberLight in Strategic U.S. Expansion EXA Infrastructure acquired dark fiber assets from FiberLight, expanding its U.S. network footprint and strengthening its position in the North American market.
- Q2 2025: Verizon Business Wins Major Dark Fiber Contract with Fortune 100 Retailer Verizon Business secured a multi-year contract to provide dark fiber connectivity to a leading Fortune 100 retailer, supporting its digital transformation initiatives.
- Q2 2025: PacketFabric Raises $150M to Accelerate Dark Fiber Network Expansion PacketFabric closed a $150 million funding round to accelerate the expansion of its dark fiber network infrastructure across North America and Europe.
- Q2 2025: FirstLight Opens New Dark Fiber Route Connecting Boston and Montreal FirstLight announced the opening of a new dark fiber route between Boston and Montreal, enhancing cross-border connectivity for enterprise and carrier customers.
Dark Fiber Market Segmentation
Dark Fiber Vertical Product Outlook
Dark Fiber Network Outlook
Dark Fiber Application Outlook
- Telecom
- Oil & Gas
- BFSI
- Military & Defense
- Medical
- Railway
- Others
Dark Fiber Regional Outlook
-
North America
-
Europe
-
Germany
-
France
-
UK
-
Italy
-
Spain
-
Rest of Europe
-
Asia-Pacific
-
China
-
Japan
-
India
-
Australia
-
South Korea
-
Australia
-
Rest of Asia-Pacific
-
Rest of the World
-
Middle East
-
Africa
-
Latin America
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size 2023 |
USD 6.3 Billion |
Market Size 2024 |
USD 6.90 Billion |
Market Size 2032 |
USD 13.23 Billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
8.40% (2024-2032) |
Base Year |
2023 |
Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
Historical Data |
2020 to 2023 |
Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Segments Covered |
Product Type, Network Type, Application Type, and Region |
Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
Countries Covered |
The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil |
Key Companies Profiled |
GTT Communications, Inc., Landmark Dividend LLC. Unite Private Networks, Consolidated Communications, Crown Castle, NexGen Networks, Sorrento Networks, FirstLight, and Windstream Intellectual Property Services, LLC. |
Key Market Opportunities |
Big Data promotes better product designs by utilizing technologies at lower costs and with less hardware. |
Key Market Dynamics |
Increasing demand due to cost effectiveness. 5G market growth and high-speed connectivity growth increase demand |
Dark Fiber Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
The fiber dark market size is estimated to reach USD 13.23 billion by 2032.
The market for Dark Fiber was USD 6.3 Billion in 2023.
The global Dark Fiber market is expected to be USD 13.23 Billion in 2032.
The growth rate for the Dark Fiber market is 8.40% through the forecast period.
At present, the North America region holds largest market share.
The major players are dominating the market are GTT Communications, Inc., Landmark Dividend LLC. Unite Private Networks, Consolidated Communications, Crown Castle, NexGen Networks, Sorrento Networks, FirstLight, and Windstream Intellectual Property Services, LLC., and others.
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