Dark Fiber Network Market Size To Reach $21.88 Billion By 2033

December 2024 | Report Format: Electronic (PDF)

Dark Fiber Network Market Growth & Trends

The global dark fiber network market size is expected to reach USD 21.88 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 15.9% from 2026 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Dark fiber has emerged as a sustainable solution for various organizations that are focusing on enhanced communication and network management. Continuously increasing penetration of internet services over the period has paved the way for the high demand for internet bandwidth. This demand is expected to remain rampant over the forecast period. This is the most significant factor responsible for market growth across the globe. The market is strongly supported by companies with a high reliance on internet connectivity. These networks are highly beneficial for organizations with a high volume of data flow in their operation. These benefits include reduced network latency, scalability, reliability, and enhanced security.

In fiber-optic communications, fiber optic cables that are not yet put in service by a provider or carrier, are termed dark fiber or unlit fiber. Network communications and telecom usually use the network, and currently, there are lots of dark fiber cables across the globe. In regular fiber networks, information is sent through the cables in light pulses. Whereas dark fiber networks are known to be ‘dark’ as no light or data is transmitted from them.

Dark fiber networks can be installed and set up using point-to-multipoint or point-to-point configurations. Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is an essential factor for the improvement and development of dark fiber networks. DWDM occurs when many data signals are transmitted using the same optical fiber at the same time. Although these signals are transmitted around the same time, they are transmitted at separate and unique wavelengths to keep these data signals separate. The significant benefits of DWDM include an increase in bandwidth of the optical fiber, high-quality internet performance, lightning-fast internet, and a secure and powerful network.

Dark fiber networks are not just used for business purposes but can be installed beneath land and oceans. Some of the interesting use cases of dark fiber include earthquake research and monitoring permafrost. Amongst many advantages, some of the disadvantages of the dark fiber network include high initial cost and loss of time in setting up your infrastructure, and high repairing and maintenance costs. Similarly, large dark fiber networks are currently available in metropolitan cities only and are yet to become available in small cities and towns.

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Dark Fiber Network Market Report Highlights

By fiber, the multi-mode segment accounted for the largest share of 63.5% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
By material, the glass segment held the largest market share in 2025. The plastic segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
By network, the metro segment held the largest market share in 2025. The long-haul segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
By application, the telecom segment dominated the market in 2025 and is anticipated to retain its dominance in terms of market size by 2033. The medical segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
Asia Pacific dark fiber network industry dominated the global market with a share of 29.5% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.