Consolidated Communications will sell Ohio assets to Middle Point Home Telephone Company (MPH), an affiliate of family-owned Hanson Communications, Inc., in a deal expected to be completed by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval.
Consolidated’s Ohio operations include approximately 4,000 access lines and 3,900 Internet connections and contributed approximately $9 million of revenue in fiscal 2020. The closing on this agreement is subject to customary regulatory approvals, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“Our family is very excited to enter into this agreement and expand our Ohio service area,” said Bruce Hanson, treasurer and owner of family-owned Hanson Communications, in a prepared statement about the Consolidated Hanson deal.
“We look forward to serving these customers and expect a seamless transition upon closing.”
Hanson has over 10,000 access lines, 15,000 Internet connections and 5,500 TV connections.
The sale in some ways is a departure from Consolidated Communications’ expansion earlier this year but is also in line with further expansion to its core markets.
Consolidated Communications made symmetrical gigabit fiber FTTP available to 122,000 locations during the first half of 2021. Expansion plans include making service available to 300,000 locations by year’s end.
The company has upgraded infrastructure in more than 60 municipalities in California, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Texas and Vermont. Consolidated plans to upgrade 70% of its footprint during a five-year expansion plan.
