FBR Solutions ramps rural capabilities with Johnson Communications acquisition
- FBR Solutions enhances its network construction capabilities and scale with Johnson Communications acquisition.
- FVLCRUM Funds is providing backing to further its vision of serving underserved rural communities.
- A key target is electric cooperatives deploying broadband in rural areas.
FBR Solutions has expanded its rural broadband market presence by acquiring Johnson Communications, further expanding its infrastructure services across the country.
The transaction is backed by FVLCRUM Funds, a growth-focused private equity firm committed to supporting infrastructure development in underserved communities, and in partnership with Greenhall Capital Partners, an operationally focused control private equity firm.
Since its founding in 2000, Johnson has pioneered rural fiber deployment through its fully integrated solutions and has deployed over 100 in-house construction crews.
Ben Carson Jr., partner and Co-Founder at FVLCRUM, said the Johnson acquisition will enable it to better respond to rural broadband opportunities.
“Through FBR Solutions, we are committed to supporting the greater telecommunications market in providing high-speed connectivity to low- and moderate-income geographies,” he said.
Joint benefits
With this acquisition, FBR continues to strengthen its national presence as a provider of telecommunications engineering and construction services.
By integrating Johnson’s expertise and expanding its innovative infrastructure solutions, FBR is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for high-speed broadband connectivity across the country.
The acquisition will benefit Johnson with greater financial flexibility to expand.
Chad Johnson, founder of Johnson and an executive at FBR Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition.
“This partnership brings new opportunities for our customers and employees alike, allowing us to grow while continuing to deliver the high-quality service Johnson Communications is known for,” he said.
Cooperatives scaling broadband
A big focus Johnson will bring is its experience serving telephone and utility cooperatives, both of which have been rapidly expanding their fiber broadband capabilities in rural areas.
As broadband infrastructure experiences unprecedented demand driven by substantial public and private investments, FBR said it is positioned to expand its expertise to the 900+ cooperatives across the United States, addressing the growing need for advanced connectivity in underserved areas.
According to a recent Rural Broadband Benchmarking Report conducted by NRTC and NRECA, the number of co-ops bridging the broadband divide continues to grow. Over 240 of the industry advocacy groups’ electric members have deployed broadband for their communities, while leveraging these technologies for smart grid deployments.
NRTC and NRECA noted that it is seeing more electric cooperative members’ broadband rollout, providing benefits to the communities they serve, with 89% seeing an economic benefit in their area due to broadband.
Since it conducted its 2022 report, the groups noted that projects covered roughly 50% more miles, locations, and dollars invested and 91% are still being built to new locations.
Competition in the areas that participating cooperatives serve is “increasing significantly,” with 90% having seen increased competition and 88% expect increased competition in the next three years.
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