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Dark fiber

TVA’s Fiber Network Supports Reliability and Industry

What Is Dark Fiber?

Dark fiber is made of tiny glass strands that carry information using light. On their own, these strands don’t do anything — they’re called “dark” because no light is running through them yet Once a company connects their equipment to the fiber, they can send data through it at very high speeds.

How TVA Uses Dark Fiber

TVA uses fiber to help keep electricity reliable across the Valley. It connects important equipment and facilities so they can share information instantly. Fiber helps TVA monitor the power system, keep stations talking to each other, protect against cyber threats, and support safe and steady operations. TVA has used fiber since the late 1980s and continues to expand its network. Because TVA owns and controls these fiber routes, the communication used to run the power grid stays secure and dependable.

Why TVA’s Fiber Stands Out

TVA has been leasing dark fiber for more than 35 years, giving us long experience and a strong understanding of what partners need. Our fiber is placed high on TVA’s transmission towers, often around 200 feet in the air, which makes it far more resilient than typical fiber placed on wooden poles. This elevated placement protects it from weather, accidents, and everyday wear. TVA’s routes also tend to be very direct, with fewer connection points along the way. This reduces delays, lowers equipment needs, and provides fast, reliable pathways for long-distance communication. Because our fiber follows TVA’s transmission lines, each route is uniquely positioned to offer path diversity—providing connectivity that rarely overlaps with traditional commercial networks. Having a unique route often adds value to organizations that need diversity and reliability in their connections.

Learn How You Can Use TVA's Dark Fiber Network

Contact us for more information.

Dark Fiber Program
1101 Market Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 751-3453
[email protected]

Man next to transmission tower

FAQs

No. TVA doesn’t sell internet service. TVA only owns fiber lines that other companies can use to bring internet to communities.

TVA uses fiber to help keep the power grid running smoothly. It lets TVA’s equipment talk to each other quickly so electricity stays reliable and safe.

Yes. When partners use TVA’s fiber, they can support things that require quick, reliable data movement — like better broadband, modern industry tools, and advanced technology.

No. TVA doesn’t build custom routes. It leases only the fiber already installed along its transmission lines.

TVA has more than 5,000 miles of fiber running across the Tennessee Valley region, mainly following its transmission towers. These long stretches make it useful for large organizations that need dependable long-distance paths.

TVA’s Fiber Network Today

TVA’s fiber network is a key part of the Tennessee regional fiber network. Today, it includes:

  • More than 5,000 miles of fiber
  • Fiber lines that run on TVA’s transmission towers, giving them long, clear paths across the Valley
  • Purpose-built fiber designed to carry information quickly and reliably

Because these routes follow TVA’s transmission lines, they often provide more direct paths than typical fiber lines that are buried. This means faster connection options and fewer interruptions.

Leasing Surplus Fiber

TVA’s long, direct fiber routes support innovation and technology, helping people work faster and more efficiently. TVA offers dark fiber leasing for organizations that need reliable long-distance pathways. These fiber strands provide:

  • Reliable, direct routes across long distances
  • Strong backup options for networks that need more than one path to stay online
  • Fast connections that can support modern technologies like data centers and AI tools
  • Opportunities for local communities to grow their businesses and improve digital access

Groups that commonly lease TVA fiber include local power companies, broadband providers, commercial network operators, research organizations, and large industrial customers.

People working

For Businesses & Prospective Partners

TVA often leases surplus fiber capacity to local power companies, broadband providers, commercial network operators, research organization and large industrial customers. Here are some of the groups that commonly work with TVA:

Local Power Companies (LPCs)

Many LPCs use fiber to improve how they operate their electric systems. In some states, LPCs can also expand broadband service for their communities. TVA’s long, direct routes can help them reach areas that are harder to connect and support important middle-mile projects.

Commercial Network Operators & Broadband Providers

Companies that run communication networks often look for dependable, long-distance fiber paths. TVA’s surplus fiber can give them a strong backup route or a new way to reach communities that do not yet have full broadband access. These dedicated paths help improve reliability and reduce outages for their customers.

Direct-Served Industrial Customers

Large industrial companies sometimes use fiber to improve how their equipment communicates. TVA’s surplus fiber can give them more reliable communication and strong backup options.

Business & Prospective Partners FAQs

No. TVA does not provide internet service. TVA leases surplus dark fiber to partners who “light” it using their own equipment.

Fiber that spans long distances, typically across regions or states, providing high-speed connection between major network points.

Fiber that connects smaller communities to major network hubs. TVA’s routes are well suited for middle-mile connectivity.

AI requires fast, reliable data movement. TVA’s direct routes help support low-latency, high capacity connections needed for these technologies.

No. TVA only leases surplus fiber already in place.