Global Dark Fiber Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Network Type (Metro, Long-haul), By Application (Telecom, Military & Aerospace), By Material Type (Glass, Plastic), By Region -Industry Forecast 2025-2032


Report ID: SQMIG50A2027 | Region: Global | Published Date: November, 2024
Pages: 178 |Tables: 0 |Figures: 0

Dark Fiber Market Insights

Dark Fiber Market size was valued at USD 5.8 Billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 6.54 Billion in 2024 to USD 17.15 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.8% during the forecast period (2025-2032).

Rapidly surging demand for high-speed internet and growing adoption of 5G technology are forecasted to bolster dark fiber market growth in the future. High investments in 5G infrastructure development around the world are also expected to create new opportunities for dark fiber providers in the long run. Increasing investments of enterprises in the development of enterprise-owned private networks and adoption of the same by governments are also slated to uplift the demand for dark fiber over the coming years. The rising number of data centers around the world and growing use of cloud computing technologies are also estimated to offer new business scope for dark fiber companies in the long run. On the contrary, high initial investments for infrastructure, competition from alternative technologies, challenges in maintenance, and regulatory hurdles are slated to impede the adoption of dark fiber across the study period and beyond.

Market snapshot - 2024-2031

Global Market Size

Largest Segment

Fastest Growth

Growth Rate

CAGR

Global Dark Fiber Market ($ Bn)
Country Share for North America Region (%)

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Dark Fiber Market Segmental Analysis

The global dark fiber market is segmented based on fiber type, network type, application, material type and region. Based on fiber type, the market is further sub-segmented into single mode and multi-mode (step-index multimode fiber, graded-index multimode fiber). In terms of material type, the market is segmented into glass and plastic. Based on network type, the market is further sub-segmented into metro and long-haul. Based on application, the market is further sub-segmented into telecom, oil & gas, military & aerospace, BFSI, medical, railway, and others. Based on Region, North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Analysis by Network Type

The metro segment is projected to account for a substantial chunk of the global dark fiber market share going forward. Surging demand for high-speed internet connectivity in metropolitan areas and rising internet proliferation around the world are projected to create new opportunities for dark fiber providers via this segment. Launch of smart city initiatives and growing digitization are also expected to create new opportunities for dark fiber companies providing metro network in the future. Easy access and integration to Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs) is also a key benefit of metro network allowing it to hold sway over other network types.

On the other hand, the demand for long-haul networks is projected to increase at a robust pace across the forecast period and beyond. This type of network is highly suitable for long-distance and low-intensity communication applications. Growing investments in expansion of network connectivity across oceans and other terrestrial landscapes are expected to bolster the demand for dark fiber for long-haul networks going forward. Long-haul networks are especially effective in difficult geographical locations as they are most cost-effective. High speed capacity over long distances of up to 35 kms with a 35 Gbps hop also drives up the demand for long-haul networks.

Analysis by Application

The telecom application segment is forecasted to bring in the most revenue for dark fiber companies over the coming years. Extensive use of dark fiber in the development of 5G infrastructure and deployment of 5G networks is a prime factor allowing this segment to hold a high dark fiber market share. Growing emphasis on improving connectivity by reducing latency in telecom companies is also expected to present new opportunities for dark fiber companies across the study period. High investments in the modernization of telecom infrastructure to keep up with advanced technologies are also expected to promote the use of dark fiber in this segment going forward.

On the other hand, the demand for dark fiber in military and aerospace applications is slated to increase at an impressive pace in the future. High emphasis on securing military communications and growing adoption of private networks in miliary are helping generate new business scope for dark fiber providers. High investments in development of new fiber optic technologies are also expected to bolster the demand for dark fiber in this segment. Rising investments in scaling military networks to accommodate advanced technologies are also forecasted to benefit the global dark fiber demand through 2031.

Global Dark Fiber Market By Network Type

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Dark Fiber Market Regional Insights

North America is forecasted to account for a major chunk of the global dark fiber market size going forward. The presence of key dark fiber providers, robust investments in development of private network infrastructure, and high spending on military and defense are key factors aiding the dominance of this region. Growing adoption of smart technologies and launch of new smart city initiatives are also expected to create new opportunities for dark fiber providers in the future. The United States and Canada are estimated to emerge as the leading markets for dark fiber companies of this region through 2031 and beyond.

The Asia Pacific region is estimated to emerge as a highly opportune market for dark fiber companies in the long run. Growing number of data centers, launch of digital transformation initiatives, and rising deployment of 5G networks are promoting the adoption of dark fiber in Asia Pacific. Increasing internet penetration and rising demand for high-speed data transfer are also forecasted to provide new business scope for dark fiber companies. Japan. China, and India are slated to be the top revenue generating countries in the Asia Pacific region over the coming years. The presence of multiple telecommunication companies also bolsters the demand for dark fiber in this region.

Global Dark Fiber Market By Region
  • Largest
  • Fastest

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Dark Fiber Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising Adoption of 5G Technology

  • Deployment of 5G networks requires an extensive fiber optic infrastructure for proper functioning. Dark fiber provides low-latency, high-speed connectivity, making it a critical component in supporting 5G rollouts and ensuring seamless mobile communication. Hence, rising demand for 5G technology is also expected to bolster dark fiber market growth in the future.

Increasing Data Traffic and Need for Scalability

  • Growing digital transformation of multiple industry verticals has resulted in a major increase in data traffic around the world. Rising emphasis on improving the scalability of networks to accommodate rising use of video streaming and cloud computing is also expected to boost the demand for dark fiber over the coming years.

Restraints

Competition from Alternatives

  • Availability of cost-effective alternatives to dark fiber such as SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and active optical networks are expected to impede market development in the future. The low costs of these alternatives make them more attractive for companies with limited spending potential and thereby slow down the demand for dark fiber.

High Costs of Dark Fiber Infrastructure Deployment

  • Deployment of dark fiber is quite complex as it involves laying fiber optic cables, acquiring rights-of-way, and setting up network infrastructure. All of these tasks incur extensive costs to companies and not all companies are willing to spare such high initial expenses thereby limiting the dark fiber market outlook going forward.

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Dark Fiber Market Competitive Landscape

Dark fiber companies should target 5G infrastructure development to make most of their investments in the long run. Providing private network development services can also offer lucrative opportunities for dark fiber providers in the future. Investing in the development of new fiber optic technologies can also help dark fiber companies enhance their revenue generation potential across the study period.

Top Player’s Company Profiles

  • AT&T Inc.
  • Lumen Technologies
  • AFL Telecommunications LLC
  • CenturyLink, Inc.
  • Sterlite Technologies Limited
  • Crown Castle International Corp.
  • Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
  • Dark Fiber Systems, Inc.
  • GTT Communications, Inc.
  • NTT Ltd.
  • Comcast Corporation
  • Orange S.A.
  • Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.
  • Verizon Communications Inc.
  • Colt Technology Services Group Limited

Recent Developments

  • In September 2024, SummitIG, a leading custom network provider partnered with Neutral Networks to launch a new dark fiber infrastructure provider in Mexico. SierraIG is leveraging Neural Networks’ fiber assets to improve communication and fiber infrastructure for data centers across Mexico. The venture is expected to initially focus on the Queretaro and Monterrey markets.
  • In July 2024, Global InterXchange LLC (GIX), a leading dark fiber organization made its dark fiber route across the Hudson River live. The company became the first to make a privately-owned carrier-neutral installation in this region to set a new standard for connectivity.
  • In October 2024, in an effort to establish the fastest dark fiber network between Frankfurt and Vienna, A1 Austria (AT), Eurofiber/NGN Fiber network (DE), and Quantcom (CZ) joined hands with each other. The collaborative effort is expected to be completed by the end of 2025 to ensure the lowest possible latency between these European hubs.

Dark Fiber Key Market Trends

  • Demand for Enterprise-owned Networks: Enterprises around the world are focusing on gaining complete control over their network infrastructure, which is why they are significantly increasing their investments in development of new fiber networks. Enterprise-owned dark fiber networks are projected to feature superior performance, security, and scalability as compared to their public counterparts.
  • Launch of Smart City Projects: Dark fiber providers can target the launch of new smart city projects around the world to maximize their revenue generation potential in the future. Smart cities require IoT devices, public Wi-Fi, and real-time data processing to function efficiently and dark fiber is crucial in enabling all these technologies thereby making it a key dark fiber market trend in the long run.

Dark Fiber Market SkyQuest Analysis

SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.

As per SkyQuest analysis, rising investments in expansion of 5G networks around the world and increasing demand for scalability of networks are estimated to be key factors for dark fiber market development in the future. However, high costs of dark fiber infrastructure development and competition from alternative technologies are slated to slow down the demand for dark fiber going forward. North America is forecasted to spearhead the adoption of dark fiber owing to the presence of key dark fiber companies and rising number of data centers in this region. Targeting smart city initiatives and projects is slated to present new opportunities for all dark fiber providers in the long run.

Report Metric Details
Market size value in 2022 USD 5.06 Billion
Market size value in 2031 USD 15.2 Billion
Growth Rate 12.8%
Base year 2023
Forecast period 2024-2031
Forecast Unit (Value) USD Billion
Segments covered
  • Fiber Type
    • Single Mode, Multi-mode (Step-index Multimode Fiber, and Graded-index Multimode Fiber)
  • Network Type
    • Metro, and Long-haul
  • Material Type
    • Glass, and Plastic
  • Application
    • Telecom, Oil & Gas, Military & Aerospace, BFSI, Medical, Railway, and Others
Regions covered North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA)
Companies covered
  • AT&T Inc.
  • Lumen Technologies
  • AFL Telecommunications LLC
  • CenturyLink, Inc.
  • Sterlite Technologies Limited
  • Crown Castle International Corp.
  • Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
  • Dark Fiber Systems, Inc.
  • GTT Communications, Inc.
  • NTT Ltd.
  • Comcast Corporation
  • Orange S.A.
  • Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.
  • Verizon Communications Inc.
  • Colt Technology Services Group Limited
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Table Of Content

Executive Summary

Market overview

  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Dark Fiber Market Characteristics
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

Parent Market Analysis

Market overview

Market size

  • Market Dynamics
    • Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
      • Drivers
      • Opportunities
      • Restraints
      • Challenges
  • SWOT Analysis

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

  • Technology Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and details)
  • Pricing Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and pricing details)
  • Supply Chain Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Detailed Supply Chain Presentation)
  • Value Chain Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Detailed Value Chain Presentation)
  • Ecosystem Of the Market
    • Exhibit: Parent Market Ecosystem Market Analysis
    • Exhibit: Market Characteristics of Parent Market
  • IP Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of product/technology, patents filed, inventor/company name, acquiring firm)
  • Trade Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Import and Export data details)
  • Startup Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Emerging startups details)
  • Raw Material Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Mapping of key raw materials)
  • Innovation Matrix
    • (Exhibit: Positioning Matrix: Mapping of new and existing technologies)
  • Pipeline product Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of companies and pipeline products, regional mapping)
  • Macroeconomic Indicators

COVID IMPACT

  • Introduction
  • Impact On Economy—scenario Assessment
    • Exhibit: Data on GDP - Year-over-year growth 2016-2022 (%)
  • Revised Market Size
    • Exhibit: Data Table on Dark Fiber Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Impact Of COVID On Key Segments
    • Exhibit: Data Table on Segment Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • COVID Strategies By Company
    • Exhibit: Analysis on key strategies adopted by companies

MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK

  • Market Dynamics
    • Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
      • Drivers
      • Opportunities
      • Restraints
      • Challenges
  • Regulatory Landscape
    • Exhibit: Data Table on regulation from different region
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Porters Analysis
    • Competitive rivalry
      • Exhibit: Competitive rivalry Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Threat of substitute products
      • Exhibit: Threat of Substitute Products Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Bargaining power of buyers
      • Exhibit: buyers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Threat of new entrants
      • Exhibit: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Bargaining power of suppliers
      • Exhibit: Threat of suppliers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
  • Skyquest special insights on future disruptions
    • Political Impact
    • Economic impact
    • Social Impact
    • Technical Impact
    • Environmental Impact
    • Legal Impact

Market Size by Region

  • Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2027 (%)
  • Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2027(%)
  • North America
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • USA
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Canada
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Europe
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • Germany
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Spain
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • France
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • UK
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of Europe
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Asia Pacific
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • China
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • India
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Japan
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • South Korea
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Latin America
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • Brazil
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of South America
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • GCC Countries
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • South Africa
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of MEA
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)

KEY COMPANY PROFILES

  • Competitive Landscape
    • Total number of companies covered
      • Exhibit: companies covered in the report, 2021
    • Top companies market positioning
      • Exhibit: company positioning matrix, 2021
    • Top companies market Share
      • Exhibit: Pie chart analysis on company market share, 2021(%)

Methodology

For the Dark Fiber Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:

1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.

2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Dark Fiber Market.

3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.

4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.

Analyst Support

Customization Options

With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Dark Fiber Market:

Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.

Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Dark Fiber Market for additional countries.

Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.

Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.

Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.

Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.

Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.

Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.

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FAQs

Global Dark Fiber Market size was valued at USD 5.06 Billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 5.8 Billion in 2023 to USD 15.2 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 12.8% in the forecast period (2024-2031).

Dark fiber companies should target 5G infrastructure development to make most of their investments in the long run. Providing private network development services can also offer lucrative opportunities for dark fiber providers in the future. Investing in the development of new fiber optic technologies can also help dark fiber companies enhance their revenue generation potential across the study period. 'AT&T Inc.', 'Lumen Technologies', 'AFL Telecommunications LLC', 'CenturyLink, Inc.', 'Sterlite Technologies Limited', 'Crown Castle International Corp.', 'Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.', 'Dark Fiber Systems, Inc.', 'GTT Communications, Inc.', 'NTT Ltd.', 'Comcast Corporation', 'Orange S.A.', 'Zayo Group Holdings, Inc.', 'Verizon Communications Inc.', 'Colt Technology Services Group Limited'

Deployment of 5G networks requires an extensive fiber optic infrastructure for proper functioning. Dark fiber provides low-latency, high-speed connectivity, making it a critical component in supporting 5G rollouts and ensuring seamless mobile communication. Hence, rising demand for 5G technology is also expected to bolster dark fiber market growth in the future.

Demand for Enterprise-owned Networks: Enterprises around the world are focusing on gaining complete control over their network infrastructure, which is why they are significantly increasing their investments in development of new fiber networks. Enterprise-owned dark fiber networks are projected to feature superior performance, security, and scalability as compared to their public counterparts.

North America is forecasted to account for a major chunk of the global dark fiber market size going forward. The presence of key dark fiber providers, robust investments in development of private network infrastructure, and high spending on military and defense are key factors aiding the dominance of this region. Growing adoption of smart technologies and launch of new smart city initiatives are also expected to create new opportunities for dark fiber providers in the future. The United States and Canada are estimated to emerge as the leading markets for dark fiber companies of this region through 2031 and beyond.

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Dark Fiber Market

Report ID: SQMIG50A2027

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