Dark Fiber

Dark Fiber

Global Dark Fiber Market to Reach US$13.3 Billion by 2030

The global market for Dark Fiber estimated at US$6.4 Billion in the year 2023, is expected to reach US$13.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.0% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Single Mode Fiber, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 11.7% CAGR and reach US$8.1 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Multi-Mode Fiber segment is estimated at 9.9% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$1.7 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 15.0% CAGR

The Dark Fiber market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.7 Billion in the year 2023. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$2.9 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 15.0% over the analysis period 2023-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% and 9.5% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 8.7% CAGR.

Global Dark Fiber Market - Key Trends and Drivers Summarized

Dark fiber, often referred to as unlit fiber, is a network of fiber optic infrastructure that is currently in place but not in use. Fiber optic cables work by transmitting data as pulses of light over strands of fiber, enabling high-speed data transfer that surpasses traditional metal wiring in both speed and bandwidth. The term "dark" in dark fiber arises from the fact that no light pulses are being sent through these cables, meaning they are inactive. Originally installed by telecom companies during the internet boom of the late 1990s, these excess fibers were laid to accommodate future growth in data transmission needs. Today, they are leased out to entities that prefer to manage their own network operations directly, rather than relying on preset services and capacities offered by conventional ISPs (Internet Service Providers).

Leasing dark fiber is particularly advantageous for organizations with large data needs and a desire for network control. This includes large corporations, government bodies, and educational institutions, which use these fibers to interconnect facilities with high bandwidth needs while maintaining private network management. The primary advantage of utilizing dark fiber is its ability to provide virtually unlimited bandwidth, tailored to the specific needs of its users. Users can choose their own equipment to light the fiber, allowing them to upgrade technology on their own schedules and optimize their networks based on evolving needs. Additionally, dark fiber networks can support multiple data transmission technologies and are future-proof, meaning they can handle increasing data loads without needing extensive physical upgrades.

The growth in the dark fiber market is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for high-speed data services, the expansion of fiber-optic technology, and strategic expansions by key market players into underserved areas. Technology-related drivers include advances in fiber-optic technology itself, such as improvements in fiber cable design and the development of more efficient and powerful optical transceivers. These innovations enhance the performance and reduce the operational costs of networks using dark fiber. From the end-use perspective, there is a rising trend of data-heavy applications in sectors such as telemedicine, remote work, online learning, and cloud computing, all of which require robust, high-bandwidth connections. Additionally, consumer behavior has shifted towards greater consumption of streaming services, online gaming, and IoT (Internet of Things) deployments, further propelling the need for extensive and reliable network infrastructure. These growth drivers collectively underscore the expanding role and importance of dark fiber in the modern digital landscape.

Select Competitors (Total 36 Featured) -

• AT&T, Inc.
• Bandwidth IG
• Consolidated Communications
• Crown Castle, Inc.
• Dobson Fiber
• EXA Infrastructure
• FirstLight
• Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.
• GlobalConnect Group (GlobalConnect Carrier)
• Lumen Technologies, Inc.
• Sorrento Networks International Inc.
• Sterlite Power
• Verizon Communications Inc
• Windstream Intellectual Property Services, LLC (Windstream Wholesale)
• Zayo Group, LLC;

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