Research firm IBISWorld placed dark fiber growth at an average annual rate of 3.7 percent and said the market would reach $986 million by the end of 2012. The market is being driven by a number of factors, thanks in large part to the rapid dominance of IP-based communications technologies. Demand for low-latency data transport services, particularly between financial centers like Chicago and New York City, has been high for several years. Wireless backhaul between cell towers is an increasingly important need as carriers build their LTE networks. FierceTelecom looked at five service providers that are making a mark in the dark fiber segment, including Zayo, Lightower and Integra. Special report
