OpticalTel Transforms into Fibernow, Strengthening Commitment to Advance Cutting-Edge Fiber Technology and Excellent Customer Service

OpticalTel, a leading provider of fiber-based broadband, cloud-based video, and digital telephone services, is excited to announce its official rebrand to Fibernow. This marks a major step in the company’s evolution, reinforcing its dedication to delivering innovative technology, outstanding fiber products, and outstanding customer service.

The rebrand underscores Fibernow’s mission to empower and inspire the customers it serves by providing world-class fiber connectivity. With an emphasis on bridging the digital divide, fostering local economic growth and promoting sustainability, Fibernow is at the forefront of driving innovation in an increasingly connected world. As demand for faster and more reliable internet accelerates, this opportunity allows Fibernow to continue its pursuit of offering enhanced technology, increased speeds, expanded coverage, and a customer-centric service experience.

The company’s new tagline, "Innovation That Inspires, Connections That Empower," encapsulates its dedication to connecting people, communities, and businesses through seamless, innovative digital solutions.

The rebrand also accelerates Fibernow’s network expansion across Florida and beyond, backed by an investment affiliate of DigitalBridge Group, Inc., a global leader in digital infrastructure. This partnership combines Fibernow’s fiber expertise with DigitalBridge’s investment and operational leadership to drive robust network growth across the state.

Founded in 2004, Fibernow has made significant strides in expanding high-speed connectivity and fostering local economic growth. The company specializes in providing high-quality fiber broadband, cloud-based television and digital telephone services to a wide-range of customers from homeowners associations (HOAs), residential communities, student housing, assisted living facilities and businesses.

"We are thrilled to introduce Fibernow, marking a significant step forward in how we connect and serve our valued customers," said Luis Rodriguez, CEO of Fibernow. "This rebrand emphasizes our unwavering commitment to delivering state-of-the-art fiber technology, enhanced by personalized, concierge-level customer service, as we continue to empower meaningful connections and experiences."

"We are excited to support Fibernow in its mission to deliver high-quality broadband to communities and businesses across Florida," said Jonathan Friesel, Managing Director and Head of Fiber at DigitalBridge. "With decades of experience and a strong reputation, the Fibernow team has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver top-tier service. We know that Fibernow’s services are essential to its customers, we intend to assertively invest in the best technology and people to enable Fibernow to provide world-class service to an ever-growing number of customers throughout Florida and beyond."

Liberty Latin America Completes Acquisition of Echostar’s Mobile Spectrum and Pre-paid Subscribers in Puerto Rico and the USVI

Liberty Latin America Ltd. (“Liberty Latin America” or “LLA”) announced on September 4th that it has closed the transaction to acquire EchoStar’s (SATS) spectrum assets in Puerto Rico and the USVI as well as approximately 85,000 pre-paid mobile subscribers. This follows a review by the United States Department of Justice Antitrust Division and the approval by the Federal Communications Commission, which noted in its approval on August 9, 2024, that public interest benefits are likely to be realized as a result of the transaction, such as enhanced competition in Puerto Rico and the USVI.

The aggregate asset purchase price of $255 million will be paid in four annual installments commencing on the closing date, with the first installment of $95 million having been paid today. Liberty Latin America expects to fund the transaction through local liquidity sources, including cash on hand, cash generated from operations, and/or revolving credit facilities. Commenting on the acquisition, Balan Nair, President and CEO of Liberty Latin America, said, “Our strong commitment to Puerto Rico and the USVI is reflected in this deal.

By acquiring over 100 MHz of spectrum, approximately 85,000 pre-paid subscribers, and an extensive distribution network we have a tremendous opportunity to leverage our full-service products to drive fixed-mobile convergence penetration from current levels of around 25%. As we ramp up our commercial efforts, there is significant room for growth, and these assets will enable us to add more capacity, increase speeds, further strengthen our 5G mobile network, and grow our scale in the prepaid market.”

TDS Telecom to transfer ownership of its Texas cable operations

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS) has entered into a purchase agreement with Poka Lambro Telecommunications, Ltd. and Nevill Holdings, Inc. to transfer ownership of its cable operations in Texas. The joint agreement includes the transfer of TDS' cable properties in Seminole, Seagraves, and Denver City to Poka Lambro and the cable properties in Alpine and Fort Stockton to Nevill Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Big Bend Telephone Company and Big Bend Telecom Ltd. (BBT). The agreement was signed Monday and is expected to close within the fourth quarter of 2024.

Poka Lambro was founded in 1950 to provide telephone service to rural farms and ranches. Today, the company serves 4,000 square miles of the south plains of Texas with fiber-to-the-premise facilities and is the premier provider of broadband internet and telecommunications services in a region that boasts thriving residential communities and a robust business climate driven by agribusiness and energy production.

BBT has been connecting and serving rural communities in West Texas for more than 60 years. It offers high-speed fiber internet, voice, and data center solutions to residents, institutions, and businesses. The company's mission is to bridge the digital divide and continually invest in innovative solutions to make the digital world more accessible to rural areas across West Texas.

TDS, a Madison, Wisconsin-based company, has been doing business in Texas since 2013 when it acquired Baja Broadband, LLC who had been providing cable TV, voice, and internet service in Texas since 2005.

Eight local TDS Field Service associates will also transfer to the companies as part of the agreement.

"Moving forward, we are confident our customers will see the same level of quality service that they have come to expect," said President and CEO Jim Butman. "We have great associates in Texas, and we will assist them in their transition to the new companies."

"We are excited to welcome the TDS customers and associates to the BBT family," said Rusty Moore, General Manager and COO of BBT. "This acquisition aligns with our mission to provide exceptional service and innovative solutions to the communities we serve. We look forward to enhancing connectivity and continuing the legacy of quality service we devote across West Texas." 

"Poka Lambro is uniquely positioned to provide exceptional service to customers in these newly acquired markets," said Patrick Sherrill, CEO of Poka Lambro. "The addition of these three communities is a natural fit to our existing service territory and we pledge to serve these new customers with the same cutting-edge technology and great customer service for which Poka Lambro is known."

C Spire to Bring Ultra-Fast Gigabit Fiber to Philadelphia, MS Residents

C Spire, a diversified telecommunications and technology services company, continues to rapidly expand its 20,000 miles of fiber infrastructure, to bring residents in 11 Philadelphia neighborhoods access to multi-gigabit home fiber internet with speeds up to 8-gigs.

Fiber construction is in progress in the first neighborhood. All construction in this phase is planned for completion within the next ten months.

“Fiber is a vital service that gives residents the connectivity they need for education, healthcare, and business,” said Toby Dubois, general manager home services for C Spire. “This investment in Philadelphia will expand C Spire’s ultra-fast and reliable home internet to more Mississippians and help them to flourish now and in the future.”

C Spire first launched fiber service to cities across Mississippi in 2014 and has built a thriving network spanning more than 150 communities in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. C Spire is committed to expanding its fiber service to bring more Mississippi communities online and to bring technology improvements to its home state.

The community’s support for the C Spire fiber expansion in Philadelphia is a testament to the shared vision for increased connectivity.

“Fiber internet is one of the most needed assets, and the chance to add additional fiber infrastructure makes Philadelphia more appealing,” said Mayor James Young. “Fiber is essential for residents and enables connectivity for work from home and education. We appreciate that C Spire has been in Philadelphia for years and look forward to the opportunity this new fiber construction will bring to our residents.”

“We are thrilled about C Spire’s fiber investment in our town,” said David Vowell, an economic developer with the Community Development Partnership. “The addition of fiber to Philadelphia will enhance our infrastructure, which will help not only our residents with remote work and learning purposes but also support the economic growth and development of Philadelphia.”

C Spire began offering wireless service in the Philadelphia area in the early 2000s, and now offers fiber internet services to businesses and residents, and a full suite of products to businesses and government entities.

Telemach Slovenia to acquire telecoms operator T-2

Telemach Slovenia, owned by European telecom and pay-TV operator United Group, plans to acquire local telecommunications company T-2, Telemach Slovenia said on Wednesday.

Telemach Slovenia said it has agreed to acquire a stake of at least a 98.06% in T-2 from local company Garnol, owned by entrepreneur Jurij Krc.

After completing due diligence, the two companies plan to sign a purchase agreement for T-2 and obtain the necessary approvals from regulators, Telemach Slovenia said.

The acquisition would provide Telemach Slovenia with a wider network and enable it to invest more effectively in technologies, products and user experience, it noted.

Tomislav Cizmic, CEO of Telemach Slovenia, said the merger will help expand investments in telecommunications infrastructure, content diversity, advanced technologies, and innovative products and services, improving user satisfaction.

T-2, founded in 2004, offers fixed internet, mobile telephony and television. Earlier this month, the Ljubljana District Court launched insolvency proceedings for Gratel, another company owned by Krc, which controls a 1.68% stake in T-2.

Smartaira Acquires Lux Speed Inc. to Broaden Footprint in High-Growth East Coast Markets

Smartaira, a leader in fiber-based, community-wide internet solutions, announced today that it has acquired Florida-based multifamily internet service provider Lux Speed Inc ("Lux Speed"). The transaction significantly expands Smartaira's footprint in the Southeastern United States and adds a marquee customer list of homeowner-association, condo-association, and multi-tenant rental properties to its portfolio. Lux Speed is Smartaira's fourth acquisition since 2021.

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Lux Speed's subscribers and employees to Smartaira," said Darren Rish, Smartaira's CEO . "Lux Speed built great customer relationships on the foundation of best-in-class infrastructure and high-quality customer service, which are the key tenets underpinning Smartaira's business. We look forward to expanding the relationship with Lux Speed's customers and building off of the momentum that Lux Speed has achieved in the Southeast." 

Lux Speed Founder and CEO, Michael Bertamini, added, "We have been watching the success and growth of Smartaira for some time now and are impressed with Smartaira's executive leadership, quality of service offerings, and commitment to its customers in the multi-tenant space. We are certain that our customers, both old and new, will receive the same first-class service and support from Smartaira and I personally look forward to working with the Smartaira team on the go forward." said Bertamini.

CriticalPoint Partners served as the exclusive financial advisor to Lux Speed in the transaction. Massumi & Consoli and Foly Hoag served as legal advisors to Smartaira and Lux Speed, respectively.

Conterra Networks Completes $580 Million Debt Capital Raise

Conterra Ultra Broadband Holdings, Inc. ("Conterra Networks", "Conterra" or "the Company"), a national leader in providing fiber-optic network-based infrastructure and services, announced today the completion of a debt capital raise totaling $580 million, which will be used to refinance existing credit facilities, optimize Conterra's capital structure, and provide additional capacity to support Conterra's growth.

Conterra Networks, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the largest independent local providers of fiber-based services in the United States, with a 14,000-route mile fiber network that brings high-capacity middle and last-mile fiber-based services to telecommunication carriers, school districts, and commercial customers across 14 states in the Southeast, South Central and Western US. Conterra is owned by affiliates of each of APG Group NV ("APG") and Fiera Infrastructure Inc. ("Fiera Infrastructure"). 

The structure is a first of its kind within the digital market in the USA. Key highlights of the debt capital raise include:

• Investment Grade-Rated Senior Structure: senior facilities comprised of a term loan and revolving credit facilities being provided by CIBC, National Bank of Canada, NordLB, SMBC and Export Development Canada, as well as senior notes being provided by MetLife Investment Management and IFM. The private investment grade rating is underpinned by the long-term infrastructure characteristics of Conterra's assets and business, which provide essential telecommunications services to carriers, schools and commercial customers.

• Structurally Subordinated Midco Term Facility: provided by Nomura, this component further optimizes the Company's capital structure.

Jamie Crotin, Managing Director of Fiera Infrastructure, said, "We appreciate the strong support of Conterra's new lenders and look forward to working with them as Conterra continues to grow its business." 

Steven Hason, Managing Director and Head of Americas Real Assets at APG, further commented, "This successful refinancing with leading lenders underscores the quality of Conterra's network. The proceeds from refinancing will be aimed at funding responsible growth and creating long-term value in the communities that Conterra's networks serve, as well as for the Company's investors." 

Craig Gunderson, President & CEO of Conterra, commented, "This refinancing provides Conterra with growth capital to support our continued expansion to densify our network in our focus areas and launch additional advanced services for our customers." Steve Keaveney, CFO of Conterra, echoed similar sentiments and added, "We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the refinancing, which offers significant operating flexibility to Conterra. We are delighted to build a long-term partnership with our new lender partners."

Advisors and Agents
Daiwa Corporate Advisory LLC (DC Advisory) and TD Securities acted as financial advisors and placement agents and Latham & Watkins acted as legal counsel to Conterra. White & Case acted as lender counsel on the refinancing.

About Conterra Networks
Conterra Networks is a national leader in the design, deployment, and operation of fiber-optic network-based services, providing advanced high-capacity communications networks to education, healthcare, government, carrier, and enterprise customers across the United States. With over 14,000 route miles of fiber and more than 8,000 on-net locations, Conterra offers a robust, flexible, and secure fiber network backbone optimized for low-latency and high-bandwidth applications. Conterra is owned by affiliates of APG and Fiera Infrastructure.

About APG
As the largest pension provider in the Netherlands APG looks after the pensions of 4.6 million participants. APG provides executive consultancy, asset management, pension administration, pension communication and employer services. We work for pension funds and employers in the sectors of education, government, construction, cleaning, housing associations, sheltered employment organizations, medical specialists, and architects. APG manages approximately €569 billion (December 2023) in pension assets. With approximately 4,500 employees we work from Heerlen, Amsterdam, Brussels, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai.

APG has been an active infrastructure investor since 2004, investing approximately €26.0 billion to date and managing over 36 direct stakes in portfolio companies. APG's investments include assets within energy and utilities, telecommunications, and transport infrastructure.

About Fiera Infrastructure
Fiera Infrastructure is a leading global mid-market direct infrastructure investor operating across all subsectors of the infrastructure asset class and an affiliate of Fiera Capital Corporation. Led by a team of highly experienced and specialized professionals, the firm leverages strong global relationships, with a local presence in Toronto, London, and New York. Its rigorous approach to investment and asset management aligns with its long-term approach. Fiera Infrastructure has assets under management and commitments of C$4.0 billion as of March 31, 2024. The firm has invested in more than 90 infrastructure assets across telecommunications, renewables, transportation, and public-private partnerships.

Leading Technology Solutions Providers Ascend Technologies and Edafio Announce Merger, Elevating Client Solutions

Ascend Technologies and Edafio, both distinguished Technology Solutions Providers under the ownership of M/C Partners, proudly announce their merger, forming a unified entity under the name Ascend Technologies. This alliance represents an unparalleled commitment to enhancing client experiences and offering a holistic, high-value solution set for its clients.

Through this strategic collaboration, which makes Ascend one of the largest technology services companies in the central U.S., Ascend will leverage the deep, collective talent and solutions from both companies, providing its clients with unparalleled technology guidance and service delivery. The synergy of the two companies’ extensive IT industry expertise offers access to a comprehensive and innovative suite of offerings, including cybersecurity, cloud, infrastructure, service desk, Salesforce, and Microsoft solutions.

As sister companies, Ascend and Edafio have collaboratively worked together for the past two years, fostering a strong partnership and shared success. This history of collaboration sets the stage for an impactful merger.

As Ascend embarks on this transformative journey, their teams will unite under the executive leadership of:
• Kenny Kinley, President & Chief Executive Officer
• Dana Bailey, Chief Revenue Officer
• Don Swartz, Chief Operations Officer
• Kevin Schulhof, Chief Financial Officer
• Christina Nugent, Executive Vice President, Salesforce & Application Solutions
• Brian Hutchins, Senior Vice President, Strategic FP&A
• Brigid Gallagher, Vice President, Human Resources

"I am honored to lead this unified entity as the CEO of our newly merged organization, bringing together the strengths and expertise of two exceptional companies,” says Kenny Kinley. “Our commitment to client-centric service remains unwavering and this merger is also a testament to our collective dedication to continue to provide industry-leading solutions. We will ensure the success of our clients is at the cornerstone of every decision we make and are poised to redefine the landscape of technology solutions.”

"We are excited about the endless possibilities this merger unlocks," says Dana Bailey, CRO "As trusted partners in achieving success together, our main focus is on delivering excellence to our valued clients and partners."

About Ascend Technologies:
Ascend Technologies is a renowned Technology Solution Provider committed to empowering leaders with confident technology investments. Ascend’s information technology professionals help business leaders eliminate cybersecurity threats, meet the needs of the organization, and optimize user productivity — making technology the catalyst for business expansion. For more information, visit teamascend.com.

About Edafio:
Edafio is an award-winning Arkansas-based Technology Solution Provider who recognizes that today's technology must be smart, reliable, adaptable, and secure. Delivering IT solutions at the highest level, from cloud computing to proactive cybersecurity strategies, with a team as impressive as their tech. Edafio’s local, practical support is focused on one thing: client success. For more information, visit edafio.com.

About M/C Partners:
M/C Partners is a private equity firm focused on small and mid-size businesses in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. For more than three decades M/C Partners has invested $2.7 billion of capital in over 140 companies, leveraging its deep industry expertise to understand long-term secular trends and identify growth opportunities. The firm is currently investing its ninth fund, partnering with promising companies and leadership teams to support, scale, and improve operations and maximize value. For more information, visit mcpartners.com.

Sixth Street Joins GI Partners to Accelerate Growth at Blue Stream Fiber

Strategic Investment Backs Blue Stream Fiber’s Mission to Provide Exceptional Broadband Services to Homeowner and Condo Associations

GI Partners, a leading investor in data infrastructure businesses, announced today that it has closed a deal to welcome Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm, as a strategic investor in Blue Stream Fiber (“Blue Stream” or the “Company”). The transaction provides Blue Stream Fiber with additional resources to expand as it continues to provide leading fiber-optic connectivity services to residential and commercial customers.

Headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida, Blue Stream Fiber provides 10 gigabit broadband, as well as video and voice services, over state-of-the-art fiber-optic networks to housing associations and neighborhoods under long-term, contracted bulk service agreements. Since GI Partners’ acquisition of Blue Stream Fiber in 2020, the Company has grown rapidly throughout Florida, with a focus on providing best-in-class services and customer experience. The investment by Sixth Street will support growth in Blue Stream Fiber’s existing markets, expansion to additional geographies across the country, and strengthen Blue Stream Fiber’s commitment to providing excellent customer service.

GI Partners will continue to hold a majority stake in the Company.

“Blue Stream Fiber’s customer experience is the foundation of what makes us unique in the fiber-to-the-home space. Through our partnership with GI Partners and Sixth Street, we will build upon our 45-year history and take our first steps towards our national expansion plans,” said Joe Canavan, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Stream Fiber.

“We are pleased to support Blue Stream Fiber’s relentless focus on delivering highly reliable, cost-effective connectivity solutions to residential and commercial customers, and we’re excited to partner with Blue Stream Fiber’s management team and GI Partners to support the Company through this next phase of growth,” said Bornah Moghbel, Co-Founder and Partner of Sixth Street.

“We are very proud of all that the Blue Stream Fiber team has accomplished since beginning our ownership in 2020 and are looking forward to our new partnership with Sixth Street,” said Mark Prybutok, Managing Director and Co-Head of GI Partners Data Infrastructure.

Lazard acted as exclusive financial advisor, and Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal counsel to Blue Stream Fiber and GI Partners.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP served as legal counsel to Sixth Street.

About Blue Stream Fiber

Blue Stream Fiber provides customers with the most advanced broadband and television products, all over 100% gigabit capable networks. With a 45-year history of providing customers with local and high-touch customer service, Blue Stream Fiber is a welcome alternative and trusted telecommunication partner compared to the incumbent providers. For more information, please visit www.bluestreamfiber.com.

About GI Data Infrastructure

Founded in 2001, GI Partners is a private investment firm with over 150 employees and offices in San Francisco, New York, Dallas, Chicago, Greenwich, Scottsdale and London. The firm has raised more than $42 billion in capital and invests on behalf of leading institutional investors around the world through its private equity, real estate, and data infrastructure strategies. The private equity team invests primarily in companies in the healthcare, services and software sectors. The real estate strategy focuses primarily on technology and life sciences properties as well as other specialized types of real estate. The data infrastructure team invests primarily in hard asset infrastructure businesses underpinning the digital economy. For more information, please visit www.gipartners.com.

About Sixth Street

Sixth Street is a leading global investment firm with over $75 billion in assets under management and committed capital. Sixth Street uses its long-term flexible capital, data-enabled capabilities, and One Team culture to develop themes and offer solutions to companies across all stages of growth. The firm has more than 500 team members including more than 200 investment professionals operating around the world. For more information, visit www.sixthstreet.com.

M/C Partners announce a significant growth investment in AccessParks

AccessParks Raises Private Equity Funding Round for Broadband Expansion

M/C Partners, a leading private equity firm focused on digital infrastructure and technology services sectors, is excited to announce a significant growth investment in AccessParks. Established in 2016, the Company provides high-performance Broadband connectivity to RV Parks, National and State Parks, and Manufactured Housing Communities ("MHC") nationwide. The investment will drive accelerated growth across AccessParks' business lines and capital for strategic acquisitions.

"The M/C Partners team brings incredible knowledge and resources that will allow us to continue to push the envelope in technology, performance, and support," said Tim Rout, Founder. Tim added, "We are thrilled to execute further technological innovations that will delight customers as we continue our rapid growth that cements our role as the market leader."

Tim and the existing management team will work alongside Alan Rosenberg, who has joined AccessParks as CEO. Alan brings deep experience leading internet operators through exponential expansion, most recently as CEO of Upstream Network and before that as CEO of Business Only Broadband. Founder and former CEO Tim Rout and COO Tony Perkins will maintain leadership roles within the Company. “I’m excited to join this innovative team and lead the scaling of our accelerated growth and operational platform,” stated Alan Rosenberg.

"There has been a massive surge in Americans visiting the outdoors, and AccessParks has been changing industry expectations for quality and reliability of connectivity in the industry," said Brian Clark, Managing Partner at M/C Partners. "AccessParks’ deep understanding of this industry and commitment to exceptional client experience is essential to being a market leader."

This partnership between M/C Partners and AccessParks will drive innovation and growth by bringing new broadband solutions to the outdoor hospitability and manufactured housing markets.

About AccessParks

AccessParks is the first and only Broadband provider in outdoor hospitality and manufactured housing communities ("MHC") to offer enterprise-grade connectivity, end-to-end Broadband managed services and guaranteed minimum SLAs for Internet speed. Its campground division enables Broadband access to the outdoors using fiber-optic, microwave, 5G, and Wi-Fi services. The MHC division leverages similar technologies to bring gigabit Broadband to residents. Currently, AccessParks serves over 30 million annual guests and residents with Broadband. For more information, visit www.AccessParks.com.

About M/C Partners

M/C Partners is a private equity firm focused on small and mid-size businesses in the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. M/C Partners has invested $2.4 billion in over 140 companies for over three decades, leveraging its deep industry expertise to understand long-term secular trends and identify growth opportunities. The firm is investing its ninth fund, partnering with promising companies and leadership teams to support, scale, and improve operations and maximize value. For more information, please visit https://mcpartners.com/