(Southeastern IN) — The merger involving one of Southeastern Indiana’s major telecommunications providers is now complete.
Great Plains Communications and Ritter Communications have officially combined to form Rightfiber, the companies’ parent firm announced Wednesday.
The deal brings together two telecommunications companies with histories stretching back more than 100 years and creates one of the nation’s largest privately held regional telecommunications platforms.
Rightfiber will serve more than 400 communities across a 20-state footprint, with a regional fiber network spanning approximately 28,000 miles.
Great Plains Communications has a significant presence in Southeastern Indiana, including communities in the WRBI listening area.
Heath Simpson, who led Ritter Communications, is serving as CEO of Rightfiber.
Todd Foje, longtime CEO of Great Plains Communications, moves into the role of executive chairman.
Foje told WRBI’s The Daily Pod in July that customers in Southeastern Indiana should not expect major changes as a result of the combination.
“We’re not planning on making any changes in local representation, and offices will remain open as they are today,” Foje said at the time.
Foje said the larger organization would give the company additional resources while allowing it to maintain its focus on the communities it serves.
Rightfiber CEO Heath Simpson called completion of the combination “an exciting new chapter” for employees, customers and communities.
The companies say the larger organization will focus on expanding fiber broadband, investing in communities and providing residential and business internet and telecommunications services.
The merger was first announced in June and had been awaiting regulatory approval.
