2025 Fiber Deployment Cost Annual Report

The 2025 Fiber Deployment Cost Annual Report, produced by the Fiber Broadband Association and Cartesian, provides the industry’s most comprehensive benchmark of fiber build costs across the U.S. Drawing on data from operators and contractors in 38 states, the report shows that fiber deployment continues to scale rapidly but at rising cost.

More than 60% of U.S. households are now serviceable by fiber, yet deployment costs increased again in 2025, driven primarily by labor, materials, permitting delays, and make-ready work. Underground builds remain more than twice as expensive as aerial, and cost variability is widening by region, terrain, and construction method.

The report breaks down real-world cost drivers, deployment timelines, and build strategies, giving providers actionable insight to plan budgets, manage risk, and prepare for continued cost pressure as fiber expansion accelerates into 2026.

Whitepaper FAQ’s

1. What is this report?
   An annual benchmark study analyzing the real costs of deploying fiber networks across the U.S., based on operator and contractor data.
2. Why does this matter now?
   Fiber deployment is accelerating nationwide, but costs rose for 92% of builders in 2025. Accurate benchmarks are critical for planning and funding decisions.
3. How much does fiber deployment cost?
   Median costs in 2025 were $18/ft for underground builds and $8/ft for aerial builds, with significant variation based on terrain, density, and construction method.
4. What’s driving higher costs?
   Labor and materials remain the top drivers, with permitting delays, make-ready work, and utility coordination increasingly impacting budgets and timelines.
5. Are rural builds cheaper?
   On a per-foot basis, rural builds tend to cost less than urban builds, but lower density can raise the cost per home passed.
6. What trends should providers prepare for?
   88% of respondents expect costs to rise again in 2026, and nearly two-thirds anticipate longer deployment timelines.
7. Who should read this report?
   ISPs, electric co-ops, municipalities, contractors, policymakers, and anyone planning or funding fiber deployments.