Ownership

My biggest pet peeve about the Federal Communications Commission's mapping is that the agency made the decision to give power over the mapping and map challenge process to CostQuest, an outside commercial vendor. The FCC originally awarded CostQuest $44.9 million to create the broadband maps. Many people think that was an exorbitant amount, but if this was the end of the mapping story, fine.

A new sports streaming bundle from ESPN, Fox and Warner Bros.

Sago Internet, based in Medina County (TX) has acquired Somerset, TX-based ClearBadger LLC for an undisclosed price. Sago Internet was founded in 2021 by Medina County residents. It was formed as a fixed wireless provider, but apparently is branching out into fiber, as the company noted that it plans to expand its wireless and fiber internet services.

Just over a year has passed since AT&T and asset management firm BlackRock formed Gigapower, a joint venture (JV) that’s providing a wholesale open access fiber network to AT&T’s out-of-footprint territory. Gigapower announced plans to build in Albuquerque, New Mexico. CEO Bill Hogg said the JV is currently constructing networks in five states; Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Nevada and Pennsylvania. AT&T, which is serving as Gigapower’s anchor tenant, is offering service on the network in Arizona, Florida and Nevada.

Consumer advocates want the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to impose a phone unlocking condition on T-Mobile’s proposed acquisition of Mint Mobile, the operator made famous by part owner Ryan Reynolds. T-Mobile struck an agreement in 2023 with Ka’ena Corporation to acquire Mint Mobile and its affiliate brands, Ultra Mobile and Plum, for up to $1.35 billion.

It’s been over a year since AT&T and investment firm Blackrock established their Gigapower joint venture to build open access fiber networks and set a goal of reaching 1.5 million locations within 18 months. Until now, the company has made relatively few moves on that front.

Consolidated Communications is one step closer to taking its company private, as shareholders approved the proposed $3.1 billion acquisition by Searchlight Capital Partners and British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI). Approximately 75% of Consolidated’s shareholders voted yes on the private equity deal, which is expected to close by the first quarter of 2025.

Rural Telecommunications of America (RTA) announced continued expansion in the Midland-Odessa (TX) area with its recent acquisition of Blue Ridge Fiber. RTA continues to grow its network across America’s rural communities. RTA will immediately begin enhancing the infrastructure and will bring gigabit fiber services to the communities in and around the Greenwood neighborhoods.

The Federal Communications Commission adopted a proposal to advance its longstanding policy goal of supporting local journalism and broadcasters’ commitment to meet the needs and interests of local communities.

AccessParks—which provides broadband connectivity to RV parks, national and state parks, and manufactured housing communities—received additional funding from M/C Partners, a private equity firm focused on the digital infrastructure and technology services sectors. The amount of the investment was not disclosed, but was described as “significant.” AccessParks’ campground division provides outdoor connectivity using fiber-optic, microwave, 5G, and Wi-Fi services.