Dark Fiber: Why Communities Invest in Unused Fiber Optic Networks
Ever asked yourself: Why would anyone invest in fiber optic cables that aren’t even turned on? What’s the point of building something you don’t use right away? That’s exactly what Dark Fiber is all about. It’s fiber optic cable that’s already in the ground, but not yet “lit” with the electronics needed to carry data. Think of it like laying train tracks before you actually buy the trains. The infrastructure is there, waiting for the right moment.
What Is Dark Fiber in Network Infrastructure?
In broadband, there are three layers you need to understand:
- Backbone – The highways moving data between cities and regions.
- Middle Mile – The city streets distributing traffic inside the community.
- Last Mile (or Drop) – The driveways connecting homes and businesses to the network.
Without the backbone, your community can’t connect to the global internet. Without the middle mile, neighborhoods stay stranded. And without the last mile, residents never get service.
The Dark Fiber Backbone Open Access Model
Here’s the common setup communities use: They invest in the backbone only. This means they cover the most expensive and long-term part of the network. Then they open it up for private providers to lease. The logic is simple: The community builds the road, and providers bring the cars.
Pros of Dark Fiber Backbone Open Access
- Cost efficiency – Communities only pay for the fiber, not the electronics.
- Simple operations – No need for technical staff or expensive network equipment.
- Encourages private investment – Providers face lower costs, making it easier to enter the market.
Cons of Dark Fiber Backbone Open Access
But let’s be honest—this model isn’t perfect.
