Hilliary Communications Expands Its Reach with TDS Telecom Acquisition in Oklahoma

Hilliary Communications, a family-owned telecommunications company, is making headlines with its strategic acquisition of TDS Telecom's operations in Oklahoma. This significant development is poised to enhance connectivity in rural regions, ensuring that residents have access to reliable high-speed internet services. With this acquisition, Hilliary Communications aims to bring modern broadband solutions to communities across the state, significantly improving infrastructure for the digital age.

Dustin Hilliary, co-CEO of Hilliary Communications, articulated the mission behind this acquisition: "Hilliary Communications is dedicated to building a stronger, more connected future for rural communities across Oklahoma." By integrating TDS Telecom's existing network, the company is set to provide fiber internet and modern communications services to a broader customer base than ever before.

The acquisition will allow Hilliary Communications to expand its service footprint, adding approximately 35,000 new locations. This includes various communities, particularly in growing rural areas, from Elgin and Jones to Adair. The goal is to connect every Oklahoman, ultimately bridging the digital divide that has existed in these underserved regions.

TDS Telecom has been a familiar name in the telecommunications sector since 1978, and their field service associates will transition to Hilliary Communications as part of the acquisition. Ken Dixon, President and CEO of TDS Telecom, expressed confidence in the transaction, stating, "This divestiture will allow us to focus more heavily on our core fiber operations," ensuring that customers continue to receive positive service experiences under Hilliary's stewardship.

Immediate planning is already underway to upgrade the acquired areas. Hilliary Communications intends to deploy fiber-to-the-home networks, modernize existing infrastructure, and provide future-ready broadband services. John Budd, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, remarked on the importance of expanded rural broadband, emphasizing its role in ensuring educational and professional opportunities throughout the state. This expansion is envisioned as a catalyst for ongoing economic growth, reinforcing Hilliary’s commitment to the communities it serves.

In a statement highlighting their long-term vision, Edward E. Hilliary, Jr., co-CEO, said, "At Hilliary Communications, we believe every community matters. Dependable, high-speed internet is the modern economic driver to unlock each community's full potential." This acquisition is not just about expanding market reach; it reflects a deep commitment to local engagement and service personalization.

Hilliary has actively invested in funding significant broadband infrastructure across Oklahoma, Texas, and Iowa, with more than $250 million allocated to enhance existing networks. The newly acquired areas will feature dozens of towns, from central Oklahoma communities like Choctaw and Jones to surroundings near Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Lawton. By prioritizing technology and community needs, Hilliary Communications aims to create a sustainable model for growth and connectivity in rural regions.

This acquisition marks yet another milestone as Hilliary Communications continues its trajectory of growth and modernization. Since 2016, the company has undertaken eight similar acquisitions, indicating a robust strategy aimed at delivering scale, technology, and long-term investment while sustaining a local, customer-focused approach.

As the nation pivots toward a more digitally reliant society, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in shaping the future of telecommunications across America, particularly in rural landscapes that have often been overlooked. As citizens demand better service and connectivity, Hilliary Communications stands at the forefront of fulfilling that need, transforming the communication landscape in Oklahoma for generations to come.