Benchmarks from industry research (deployment cost basis, not contractor sell price): The median cost (labor+materials) to deploy fiber underground is about $18. 55/ft for aerial, and labor is the major driver (often 60–80% of cost). The initial cost of installing fiber optic cables can vary depending on the chosen installation method and specific project requirements. This. These networks are constructed both underground and through aerial fiber, at an average cost of $1,000 to $1,250 per residential household passed or $60,000 to $80,000 per mile. Conduit systems add $2-4 per foot but allow future cable additions.