ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-Progress Telecom and EPIK Communications announced they will merge to form a new Progress Telecom focused on delivering wholesale broadband solutions.
The merged company will be jointly owned by Progress Energy, parent company of Progress Telecom, and Odyssey Telecorp, parent company of EPIK. Progress will have 55-percent ownership, and Odyssey will be a 45-percent owner. Ron Mudry, currently chief executive officer of Progress Telecom, will serve as CEO of the merged company, which will be based in St. Petersburg. Progress Telecom’s network stretches from southeast Florida to New York to offer broadband services.
“The new Progress Telecom positions us well for the inevitable consolidation of telecom networks in the Southeast,” explained Don Davis of Progress Energy. “This merger will create a stronger, more competitive and ultimately, more valuable telecommunications company-which is the key objective for Progress Energy, as well as being positive for Progress Telecom and its customers.”
In addition to its core broadband services business, the company installs wireless antenna attachments on its existing utility infrastructure for wireless carriers. “We are where the wireless carriers want to be,” explained George Townsend, general manager of Progress’ wireless division. “Utilizing existing utility structures for antenna attachments and collocating carriers makes good economic and environmental sense.”
Progress provides infrastructure services, including site identification, architecture, engineering, permitting and construction.
