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Dark Fibre
Fully control your high capacity optical network with near-limitless scalability.
If you’re a hyperscaler, wholesale network provider or large organisation, you sometimes need complete control over your connectivity.
Dark Fibre is unused fibre with no active traffic. You design and operate a private, high capacity network on your own dedicated infrastructure, ideal for:
- Core network expansion or backhaul
- Data centre interconnect (DCI)
- Real-time cloud, AI and IoT workloads
- Customised, high‑security networks for regulated data
Choose your own hardware, network architecture, routing and security protocols. Extend your reach across the UK with our extensive Dark Fibre network.
Get a Dark Fibre quote today.
Why Dark Fibre?
Unlike managed fibre services, Dark Fibre gives you maximum control over your network, with:
Total flexibility
Leverage our UK-wide fibre network built for Critical National Infrastructure, custom-built fibre, or a third-party option.
Near-limitless scalability
Scale up your bandwidth and network reach nationwide.
Bespoke specification
Choose G652 and/or G655 fibre with duct and sub-duct options.
Built-in resilience
Customise your network architecture and route diversity for maximum resilience.
Availability and SLAs
Leading network availability and fault restoration agreements.
Outstanding support
24/7 helpdesk, ISO-certified cyber security, and industry-leading +75 NPS.
Trusted by leading organisations nationwide
Discover Dark Fibre and our UK-wide network reach
What our customers say
“At Internet Central, we pride ourselves on delivering a personalised customer service and it’s clear that Neos Networks shares the same mission. Our account team at Neos Networks knows our business and anticipates our needs. As a result, we’re able to focus more time and expertise on delivering great services for our customers. It’s been fantastic to see the partnership grow over the last few years and we can’t wait to see what’s next.”
“We see Neos as a key strategic partner who can help our remit around enhancing Oxfordshire’s digital infrastructure foundations now, and well into the future.”
“It is very important for us to be able to offer to our partners high-speed, full fibre with both local access and nationwide fibre coverage. Working with Neos Networks across the UK helps us to deliver on this connectivity ambition.”
“The demands of a 24-hour search and rescue operation means that downtime is never an option. The new network is delivering improvements in performance and enabling new services. Neos Networks has been the perfect partner to ensure that we deliver an efficient, reliable and stable connection to help HM Coastguard save lives and keep the public safe at sea.”
"We began working with Neos Networks in 2015, when they deployed a robust core connectivity platform to help us expand our reach and meet ambitious growth plans. We’ve since taken advantage of the expansion of Neos Networks’ UK network to deliver more critical services to our customers."
"Neos Networks has been our managed network provider for many years, thanks to the partnership our teams are now better equipped to do their jobs and collaborate with their peers, from anywhere in the country."
“With Neos Networks, we have complete control over the technologies that we roll out over the infrastructure, which means that when it comes to furthering the capabilities of our research and education community – the sky really is the limit.”
By tapping into Neos Networks’ expansive network and utilising its underlying infrastructure, we’re enhancing connectivity capabilities across 250 towns and cities in the UK, futureproofing the UK’s digital economy. In doing so, we’re creating the underlying foundations for future smart cities innovations, which will require high capacity, reliable connectivity to bring about the next generation of urban life.
Neos Networks’ excellent standards of customer care and speed of delivery has made them a long-standing, reliable partner. Most recently, we worked with them to deploy two 100Gbps Network-to-Network Interfaces (NNIs) in Manchester and London to better connect our UK network, providing our customers with access to high capacity business Ethernet services across the country.
“Partnering with Neos Networks equips us with the flexibility and scalability to expand rapidly while staying true to our commitment to exceptional service delivery. This collaboration has been vital in helping us bridge the digital divide and bring high-quality broadband to underserved communities.”
“We just love working with Neos Networks. We trust their expertise and experience to deliver, and I can always find my Neos Account Director when we need help. Like us, they’re collaborative and focused on the customer, working with us for the long term.”
“We’re proud to be leading the way in expanding digital connectivity to our rural communities. Working with Neos Networks has enabled us to deliver a cost-effective, high-speed broadband solution that will benefit schools, medical centres and libraries across the region. This project is an important step in ensuring that everyone, regardless of location, can access the digital services they need to thrive.”
“We’re experiencing exponential growth and anticipate that within the next three years, BMC TV will be the leading provider of media networks in the UK. Our partnership with Neos Networks is fundamental to achieving this vision. Their commitment to service excellence and ability to provide rapid, on-net connectivity allows us to scale at pace, ensuring that our customers benefit from seamless, high-quality broadcasting.”
Looking for a Dark Fibre solution?
Leverage our high capacity UK-wide network to deploy Dark Fibre for data centre interconnects, backhaul or core networks nationwide.
Our specialists work with you to map the optimal route, overcome challenges and plan for future growth. The result is Dark Fibre infrastructure designed for your long-term success.
Dark Fibre FAQs
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When should you choose Dark Fibre over managed Optical Wavelengths (“lit fibre”)?
Dark Fibre is the right choice when you need full control over how your network is designed, operated and scaled. Managed Optical Wavelengths offer high capacity connectivity without the need to run and maintain the underlying infrastructure.
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Is Dark Fibre more cost-effective than managed wavelength services?
Dark Fibre can be more cost-effective over time if you need very high capacity and can fully utilise the infrastructure, as costs don’t scale with bandwidth. Managed Optical Wavelengths offer lower upfront investment and fixed, defined capacity, making them a better fit when you want predictable costs without managing your own network.
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Where is Dark Fibre available in the UK?
Dark Fibre is available across our extensive UK-wide network, connecting key cities, data centres and exchanges nationwide. Where coverage isn’t in place, we can also support custom builds or access via third-party networks where needed.
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Is Dark Fibre suitable only for large organisations?
Dark Fibre is best suited to organisations with high bandwidth demands and the capability to design, operate and maintain their own network. However, it can also work for smaller organisations with specific performance or control requirements.
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What equipment do you need to use Dark Fibre?
To use Dark Fibre, you need your own equipment such as routers, switches and optical hardware including transceivers and transponders, along with supporting transmission components. Together, these light the fibre and give you direct control over capacity, routing and performance.
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Who is responsible for maintaining a Dark Fibre network?
With Dark Fibre, you’re responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment you deploy. Neos Networks maintains the underlying fibre infrastructure, including network availability and fault repair, with defined restoration SLAs.
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What speeds can you achieve with Dark Fibre?
Speeds on Dark Fibre are determined by the equipment you deploy and the capacity of the fibre. In practice, that means you can run at whatever bandwidth your infrastructure supports, rather than being limited to the predefined speeds of a managed service.
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How long does it take to deliver Dark Fibre?
If the route is on‑net, Dark Fibre delivery typically takes around 30 to 90 days. New builds requiring civil works or permits usually take 90 to 180 days. More complex projects, such as those involving wayleaves or major construction, can take longer.
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How can I get a Dark Fibre quote?
Fill in the Get a Dark Fibre quote form above. Or if you’d like to discuss your project with a Dark Fibre expert, contact us. We'll work with you to design the right solution and provide pricing based on your route and network requirements.