EarthLink, a leading internet service provider (ISP) with the widest reach among homes and small businesses in the U.S., has marked a significant milestone in its growth journey. The company, which is already known for its expansive internet coverage, has acquired One Ring Networks, a prominent Fixed Wireless provider delivering voice and data services across several states in the United States. This strategic move is set to reshape the landscape of high-speed business internet and communication services across the nation.
A Partnership Paving the Way for Enhanced Connectivity
With this acquisition, EarthLink not only fortifies its standing as a premier ISP but also lays the foundation for an expanded suite of business platform capabilities and a more diverse portfolio of products and services. One Ring Networks, a major player in the Fixed Wireless domain, brings an impressive market share across Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, and Texas. Their forte lies in delivering high-speed, fixed wireless internet services and other communication solutions to both businesses and consumers.
Empowering Businesses Nationwide
The acquisition, which successfully concluded on June 30, 2023, is poised to propel EarthLink’s presence and influence in the high-speed business internet market. John Jenkins, who served as the President of One Ring Networks, steps into the role of President of EarthLink Business Services, ushering in a new chapter of growth and innovation.
Gearing Up for Unprecedented Growth
Glenn Goad, CEO of EarthLink, emphasized the collaborative spirit that drives this partnership: “We are excited to partner with One Ring and accelerate the rollout of EarthLink Business Services. This combination represents a compelling growth opportunity in the high-speed business internet market, and EarthLink and One Ring will utilize the key advances in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to better serve our customers.”
John Jenkins, President of EarthLink Business Services, further elaborated on the joint strategy: “EarthLink and One Ring’s strategy is to continue to expand the leading platform in the industry both organically and through future acquisitions across the U.S. to better serve the Company’s large and growing customer base. With our combined commitment to providing business and consumer customers with the best in communication services, we will continue to be one the largest, fastest-growing, and top-ranked service providers in the industry.”
Unveiling the Road Ahead
Shravan Thadani, Partner at Trive Capital, the private equity firm behind EarthLink, emphasized the compatibility of EarthLink and One Ring’s offerings: “EarthLink and One Ring are highly complementary businesses and together will provide ultra-reliable, high-speed internet services to businesses and consumers nationwide. Significant advances in FWA technology support One Ring’s offering and will enable EarthLink to take its Business Services capabilities to the next level for its customers.”
A Closer Look at the Players
EarthLink, founded in 1994 and headquartered in Atlanta, GA, has emerged as a formidable ISP with an unparalleled reach. Delivering high-speed internet access, premium email services, web hosting, and privacy and data security products, EarthLink serves approximately 750,000 consumer and business customers across the United States. The company has also established pivotal partnerships with some of the nation’s largest providers, extending its product offerings and connectivity services to millions of households nationwide.
One Ring Networks, established in 2010, has undergone a remarkable evolution from a regional alternative access carrier to a nationwide Tier 2 carrier with a robust national backbone. Headquartered in Athens, TX, One Ring Networks is renowned for its comprehensive range of voice and data solutions, including fixed wireless, fiber internet, 4G LTE wireless, and hosted PBX services. Their commitment to localized customer service and continuous innovation has propelled them to the forefront of the fixed wireless internet carrier landscape in the U.S.
The Future of Connectivity
As EarthLink and One Ring Networks join forces, the horizon of connectivity and communication services in the U.S. is set to expand and evolve. The synergy of their expertise, resources, and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly pave the way for a new era of reliable, high-speed internet services for businesses and consumers alike. With an eye on both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, this partnership is poised to solidify their position as leading players in the industry. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, EarthLink and One Ring Networks are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape of tomorrow.
