What is Dark Fiber? - Empire Access

You may have heard of fiber optic, a more advanced way of providing internet to consumers compared to cable. What you may not have heard is dark fiber. This type of fiber isn’t one that’s typically talked about, and that’s because it’s not one that often finds use. In some select cases, dark fiber can prove an invaluable asset. This article will act as our guide to what dark fiber is and how it’s used.

To start, dark fiber is unused fiber optic lines that are lined alongside regular fiber optic lines. This means that the fiber can’t be connected to anything on either side, not just that whatever the line is already connected to. It might seem like a waste to pack in cables with no use, but there is a reason. The major cost of installing fiber is running fiber optic cables. By adding extra fiber lines, a company can simply plug those in if demand in an area increases, rather than wasting time running new fiber optic cables.

So, what is dark fiber used for? While many businesses prefer the ease of paying an ISP (Internet Service Provider) for their services, some would rather set up their own internet. By leasing out their unused lines, an ISP can offer that opportunity to a prospective business. Rather than the lines running from the ISP to the business, the lines would connect to the business on both ends, meaning the infrastructure is now in place to set up a private internet service.

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Fiber connectivity is amazing, and so are the folks who brought it to my house and keep it running smoothly. As always, especially when I have the luxury of not thinking about it at all, you have my thanks.

- Jason T., Big Flats, NY

When Empire came into my neighborhood, I decided to give them a shot. So grateful I did. Besides the LIGHTNING fast speeds, my favorite thing about Empire is their incredible customer service … can’t say enough good things about Empire Access. I’ve loved every day I’ve been able to use their internet services…

- Steve A.

I have to say that everyone that I have dealt with at Empire has been top notch… At times, I felt like we were their only customer. As far as the Fiber is concerned, it gives us reliability that we have not had — ever — and the speed that we desperately lacked…

- Joe C., Hunt Hollow Ski Club, Naples, NY

They got everything running in no time and were super helpful in setting up my home and answering questions. I truly appreciate the great service.

- Eric M., Corning, NY

We are very thankful to Empire Access for selecting our area to be our service provider for fiber optic high speed internet and phone service. We are very happy with the speed they provide along with the unlimited data. My husband and myself were very impressed with everyone that we dealt with…

- Veda M., Elmira, NY

I would just like to add that I am very happy that I changed providers! It’s so nice to get a real person who can answer my picky little questions right away without having to wait, thank you for everything.

- Sidney P., Hornell, NY

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