Grain Management Merges Ritter and Great Plains to Establish Rightfiber Broadband

Rightfiber: A New Era in Broadband Connectivity

In a significant move within the telecommunications industry, Grain Management has announced the strategic merger of its two portfolio companies, Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications. This merger will establish Rightfiber, an expansive broadband network that will provide service across 20 states. With both companies having over a century of experience in telecommunications, this combination promises to revolutionize the fiber broadband landscape in the United States.

An Unprecedented Collaboration

Ritter Communications, headquartered in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Great Plains Communications, based in Blair, Nebraska, have come together to form Rightfiber. This new organization aims to capitalize on their shared values, commitment to customer service, and local community engagement. Heath Simpson, the current CEO of Ritter, will lead Rightfiber as its CEO, while Todd Foje, the CEO of Great Plains, will assume the role of Executive Chairman. This leadership team represents a blend of expertise and vision necessary to guide the new entity into a competitive future.

Goals and Expansion Plans

Rightfiber will connect approximately 300,000 homes and businesses using its extensive 28,000-mile fiber network. The venture aims to provide advanced fiber connectivity to underserved communities, ensuring high-quality internet access to rural areas that often face technological challenges. This strategic merger is not simply about combining resources; it is about creating a united front capable of accelerating the delivery of cutting-edge broadband services to millions of users, including both residential and business entities.

Simpson expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, "We are building on the strengths of both organizations to create new opportunities for growth while continuing to deliver reliable services to our customers." The commitment to maintaining personalized local relationships while expanding capabilities is at the heart of Rightfiber's mission.

The Commitments Behind Rightfiber

Both Ritter and Great Plains have a strong commitment to their communities. The formation of Rightfiber will allow for continued investment in local infrastructures, such as schools and hospitals, enhancing economic growth and connectivity in these regions. The merger is expected not only to boost revenues and EBITDA through organic growth and potential mergers and acquisitions but also to create one of the largest privately held telecommunications platforms in the U.S.

Foje highlighted the shared philosophies of the two companies, saying, "Together, we will combine deep local relationships with expanded capabilities to bring advanced fiber connectivity to underserved communities."

Looking to the Future

As Rightfiber embarks on this ambitious journey, the company is confident in its ability to maintain the high standards of service already established by both Ritter and Great Plains. Customers can expect a seamless transition, continuing to receive the personalized support and reliable service they have come to trust.

Furthermore, as the merger awaits customary approvals and regulatory reviews, all eyes are on Rightfiber to see how it will transform the telecommunications landscape. The goal is clear: to leverage expanded resources and local expertise to drive further growth and provide exceptional broadband services.

For regular updates about Rightfiber’s developments and services, consumers and stakeholders are encouraged to visit Rightfiber.com.

About the Companies

Grain Management is recognized as a global investment firm focusing on digital infrastructure and communications. The company advocates for broadband access as a crucial factor in the tech-driven transformation across various industries.

Great Plains Communications has established a strong presence in the Midwest, delivering a wide range of fiber services across multiple states. With over a century of combined experience, both companies are now positioned as leaders in the telecommunications sector.

Ritter Communications is renowned in the South for its comprehensive broadband and telecommunications solutions, focusing heavily on community investment and customer satisfaction.

This merger symbolizes a new chapter in fiber connectivity in the U.S., marking the beginning of what could be a transformative period for broadband access across countless communities.