Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications are combining under a single brand, Rightfiber, to become one of the largest privately held broadband providers in the country.
Two of the country’s most storied regional internet providers are joining forces. Grain Management, the Washington-based private investment firm behind both companies, announced Monday that Jonesboro, Arkansas-based Ritter Communications and Blair, Nebraska-based Great Plains Communications will merge into a single organization called Rightfiber.
The deal would create one of the largest privately held fiber broadband platforms in the United States, connecting more than 300,000 homes and businesses across more than 400 communities in 20 states through a 28,000-mile regional fiber network.
“By coming together as Rightfiber, we are building on the strengths of both organizations to create new opportunities for growth.”
— Heath Simpson, incoming CEO of Rightfiber
Ritter’s current CEO, Heath Simpson, will lead the combined company. Todd Foje, who runs Great Plains Communications, moves into an Executive Chairman role.
Both companies were founded more than a century ago and have expanded aggressively in recent years, with Grain backing major fiber infrastructure investments at each. Ritter currently serves 197 communities across Arkansas, Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Great Plains operates in nearly 200 communities across Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, and Nebraska, with a fiber network reaching 13 states.
BY THE NUMBERS
| 20 | states served |
| 400+ | communities connected |
| 300,000+ | homes and businesses on the network |
| 28,000 | miles of fiber |
The timing reflects a broader push by private investors to consolidate regional broadband infrastructure before the next wave of federal rural broadband funding is deployed. Grain Management, founded in 2007, has built a portfolio across fiber networks, data centers, wireless spectrum, and cell towers.
Foje framed the combination as a values-driven move as much as a business one. Both companies have leaned heavily on local relationships as a competitive edge against larger national providers, and executives say that won’t change under the Rightfiber name.
“Together, Rightfiber will combine deep local relationships with expanded capabilities and investment to accelerate growth and continue bringing advanced fiber connectivity to underserved communities.”
— Todd Foje, Executive Chairman
Customers of both companies are being told to expect no immediate disruption to service, billing, or support teams. The companies say branding changes will be communicated well in advance.
The merger remains subject to standard regulatory review. More information is available at rightfiber.com/stronger.
Source: Ritter Communications / Great Plains Communications press release, June 16, 2026.
