Fiber-broadband service provider Horizon says it closed its purchase of Consolidated Cooperative's commercial fiber business on March 31, 2022. The deal, financial terms of which were not disclosed, adds approximately 450 route miles of fiber to Horizon's fiber network footprint north of Columbus, OH, through Delaware, Marion, and Richland counties. The electricity co-op will continue to provide electricity and other energy services to its customers as well as residential fiber internet services.
Consolidated Cooperative announced the sale last August 31, noting that the commercial fiber network served approximately 75 local schools, hospitals, and commercial organizations. The company retained a third of its prior network to continue to serve residential broadband customers and as a platform for growth.
Horizon says that current Consolidated commercial fiber customers should not see any service interruptions and will continue to receive services according to their existing agreements. However, Horizon also will offer its suite of fiber-based services, which includes high-speed internet, Ethernet, hosted voice, cloud connections, dark fiber, wavelengths, and data center connectivity across the Midwest.
"Horizon has worked closely with Consolidated Cooperative for many years as wholesale providers, enabling us to sell to customers that have facilities within Horizon's existing service territory, as well as additional sites in the Consolidated commercial fiber network footprint," says Jim Capuano, CEO and president of Horizon. "This acquisition will allow us to continue to deliver outstanding customer experiences, and customers can expect a seamless transition to Horizon's dedicated support. Our experienced local commercial sales teams are ready to assist companies and empower their mission-critical network and fiber service demands."
"Consolidated has always focused on helping our members and communities improve their quality of life by providing best-in-class services at affordable prices," says Phil Caskey, President and CEO of Consolidated Cooperative. "We are thrilled to have found a partner who shares our passion for community and value. Working together with Horizon will allow both organizations to accelerate the ability of Consolidated's members and communities to benefit from the growing opportunities that come from having an all-fiber-optic network throughout our territory."
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