Omni Fiber COO Steve Gable conducted technician training recently for Omni Fiber, Ohio Telecom and sub-contractor field technicians as the company ramps up its field resources.

BY D’ARCY PATRICK EGAN

High speed internet is the Holy Grail for smaller communities around the country, and Omni Fiber’s acquisition of Ohio Telecom recently is opening the door to the company’s spread to villages and townships around Ottawa County as early as 2023.

“While we will not reach 100 percent of (Ottawa County) in the initial phases, we are looking at expanding in several of those areas in 2023,” said CEO Darrick Zucco of Omni Fiber.

Omni Fiber got a head start with the acquisition of local high-speed internet provider Ohio Telecom, a 20-year-old company servicing Port Clinton and Oak Harbor. Catawba Island and Marblehead are on its drawing board for 2023.

“”We will offer services to residential and business customers, including small businesses and home offices,” said Zucco.

“This is a significant development for Ottawa County,” said Executive Director Chris Singerling of the Ottawa County Improvement Corp., which has been aggressively selling the Ottawa County market to businesses eager to relocate to Lake Erie’s Vacationland Region. “Not only will our existing businesses and residents benefit from this investment, but infrastructure assets like these are what help attract new businesses and families who are looking for this critical component to communication in our everyday lives.”

Ohio Telecom’s Michael Christiansen, the founder and president, will assume an operational leadership role with the combined company, and its present employees will continue to support current and future customers.

“This transaction will allow the company to expand more quickly and improve the services offered to Ohio Telecom’s valued customers. It is a win-win for current and future customers,” said Port Clinton businessman Ron Miller.

Construction of Omni Fiber’s 100 percent fiber network is planned to begin in early 2023 in Sandusky, Perkins Township and Fremont. To pre-order the service visit omnifiber.com or call 844-844-6664. Area communities with construction complete or underway include Bellevue, Clyde, Dover, Huron, Shelby and Tiffin.

Omni Fiber was founded in 2022 and is backed by one of the largest investment firms in the telecommunications industry. Its leadership team has more than a century of combined industry experience.

Omni Fiber provides 100 percent fiber-optic broadband internet, TV and phone service to residential and business customers in the Midwestern United States. Omni Fiber offers symmetrical speeds of up to 2 Gpbs, no hidden fees, no date caps, Premium Wi-Fi included, local customer service and competitive pricing.