Ziply Fiber inked a deal to acquire Oregon ISP Eastern Oregon Net, Inc (EONI) for an undisclosed sum, a move CEO Harold Zeitz told Fierce will open the door to new opportunities in the state.
According to data from BroadbandNow, EONI primarily offers fiber and fixed wireless service across 12 zip codes in northeastern Oregon. Its fixed wireless service is available to approximately 31,000 people and its fiber service reaches approximately 6,000. Products listed on its website include a 30 Mbps fixed wireless service for $49.95 per month and fiber offerings of 100 Mbps for $40 per month or 1 Gbps for $59.95 per month.
Zeitz said the acquisition was the result of good timing and opportunity. “From a timing perspective, EONI was ready for their next chapter after a great 26-year run. For Ziply Fiber, we always want to be open to good opportunities for expansion. In this instance, there are good opportunities in common areas, as well as new markets where Ziply Fiber can extend our fiber network. In addition, we are excited to add fixed wireless product offerings and expertise to our portfolio.”
Ziply debuted 2-gig and 5-gig services for its fiber customers in January. Zeitz said it plans to bring the same to EONI subscribers “but it will require some network upgrades” first.
He added Ziply will continue to support fixed wireless, but noted some current FWA subscribers “may have the opportunity to move to fiber as we expand the network in the future.”
Asked how M&A factors into Ziply’s future as it continues to convert copper assets to fiber across its footprint, Zeitz said it will continue to be “opportunistic when it comes to network expansion, be it through acquisitions, edge outs or partnerships.”