Per-Foot Installation Rates: Installation and termination labor for fiber-optic cabling typically costs $1 to $6 per linear foot, separate from material pricing. Single-mode fiber costs less per foot than multimode fiber, but it requires more. Buyers typically pay for fiber optic cable by length, fiber type, and installation complexity. This guide presents ranges in USD and practical price estimates to help. Cable tray and J-hooks - In commercial construction, cable tray and J-hooks are the standard support method for low voltage cables above drop ceilings. These fibers are thin strands, often as small as a human hair, that transmit data as pulses of light.