EarthLink Buys One Ring Networks, Eyes Business Unit Launch

Residential and SMB internet service provider EarthLink is bulking up its fixed wireless capabilities with the acquisition of One Ring Networks.

The purchase of One Ring and its five-state fixed wireless internet footprint will help jump-start EarthLink’s new business services unit, which will go live in the fall. Windstream sold off EarthLink’s consumer internet service provider piece to the private equity firm Trive Capital in 2019.

EarthLink’s Mike Toplisek

EarthLink executives said they found a cultural fit with One Ring. EarthLink president Mike Toplisek said adding Texas-based One Ring “enables us the opportunity to take our business service capabilities to the next level for our customers.”

EarthLink CEO Glenn Goad agreed.

“This combination represents a compelling opportunity to launch EarthLink’s business offering and utilize the advances of fixed wireless access (FWA) technology to better serve our customers,” Goad said.

One Ring Networks Has 5 State Footprint

EarthLink’s Glenn Goad

One Ring provides fixed wireless services in Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland and Texas. The company describes itself as a “large Tier 2 carrier” with a national backbone. The company has evolved from a “regional alternative access carrier” since its founding in 2010.

The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction, which has closed. One Ring Networks president John Jenkins will lead EarthLink Business Services as president.

One Ring Networks’ John Jenkins

“Our strategy is simple: Continue to expand the best platform in the industry both organically and through further acquisitions across the country to help better serve the large and growing customer base of EarthLink,” Jenkins said. “With our combined commitment to providing our business and consumer customers with the best in communication services, we will continue to be one of the largest, fastest growing and top ranked service providers in the industry.”

Windstream bought EarthLink in 2017 for $1.1 billion before selling it to Trive.