New Campaign Wraps its World-Class Service in a Hometown Feel

Comporium proves out the benefits of putting the “local” in local provider.

ROCK HILL, S.C. – (March 30, 2017) Comporium announced that it is rolling out a new marketing campaign to emphasize its unique combination of market leading services and local focus. The personalization that only a hometown provider can bring versus the cutting edge technological advances of an industry-leading broadband provider. These two things almost never overlap. But Comporium’s new work is showing otherwise by highlighting their unique David meets Goliath skillset. So now you can call them “your friendly, neighborhood tech giant.”

Comporium shared that the 9-month long campaign will feature video, digital, and print ads that emphasize the company’s ability to balance delivering world-class technology and products with providing hometown, customized customer service.  Comporium will complement the marketing campaign with a series of surprise events where company employees will appear spontaneously at public events and handout gifts and promotional items.

Comporium offers comparable products and services to those that much larger, national providers do. Unlike other providers in the area, though, Comporium is local. According to the company, its leadership and employees, even its call center, are based locally. Instead of being located hundreds of miles away from its customers, Comporium is based within the communities that it serves. This means that the company’s customers are served by neighbors that treat them as individuals ensuring higher quality, quicker and more reliable customer service.

“In contrast to our competition, at Comporium we’re serving our home community,” stated Matthew Dosch, executive vice president and chief operations officer.  “We want to make sure that our neighbors are well cared for, not just in terms of technology and customer service, but also when it comes to Comporium being good corporate stewards.  We believe that it’s our responsibility to give back. We are always exploring ways we can contribute to the community to help with both the economy and the wellbeing of the people.”

Comporium is committed to local community engagement and giving back is a part of its fabric.  Each year the company supports hundreds of local organizations which help to improve the quality of life for area residents.  Comporium also uses tax credits and direct contributions to invest in the local economy and economic development.  Because the company and its leadership believe that all businesses should invest in the future of the community and its workforce, they also support local school districts and colleges. Over just the past three years the company has made sizable grants to Clemson, the University of South Carolina and York Technical College. Last month Comporium and the Fort Mill School District jointly announced that Comporium was supporting the District’s new athletic facility, Comporium Athletic Park.

About Comporium

Comporium, Inc., headquartered in Rock Hill, S.C., is a diversified privately held communications company providing voice, video, data, wireless, smart home systems and advertising services. Comporium’s ventures include companies providing fiber transport and business solutions, data storage and managed services, smart devices and connected home/car services, and digital signage. For more information, please visit www.comporium.com.

ITC Service Group Acquires Clear Cell Management, Inc.

Adds Wireless Division to Broadband Installation, Design and Staffing Services

CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif., Feb. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ITC Service Group ("ITC"), a leading provider of broadband installation, planning, design and staffing solutions to the telecommunications and IT industries, today announced the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Clear Cell Management, Inc. ("CCM").

The acquisition of CCM allows ITC to become a turnkey provider of services to the wireless telecommunications industry. CCM, with offices in the New York, New Jersey and California, adds new service lines, clients and markets to ITC's rapidly expanding platform of services and locations around the country.

"I am pleased to announce this strategic acquisition," said Tim Sauer, ITC's President. "ITC has an ongoing growth strategy, and this acquisition is an important part of that plan. CCM is an outstanding addition to the ITC family. In addition to the business they bring to our portfolio, this acquisition allows us to offer the full array of wireless services to ITC's existing telecommunications clients. Rob Bradley, CCM's Chief Executive Officer will serve as Senior Vice President of ITC's Wireless Division, and he brings with him a very talented team of committed professionals. With the upcoming roll out of 5G wireless networks nationwide, ITC is perfectly positioned to support these projects on a large scale, providing both fiber and wireless solutions. I have enjoyed getting to know the entire CCM team, and I look forward to the synergies we will create for our clients in the wireless sector."

"I am excited about this transaction," added Rob Bradley. "As an integral part of the ITC family, we will continue to provide excellent service and support to our wireless clients. With the financial strength and support of ITC, and its owner Moorgate Capital Partners, our combined team will provide even more value to our wireless clients and, at the same time, drive significant expansion of new markets and services. We will be able to strengthen our subcontractor and vendor relationships and also provide employees with more opportunity. I could not be more impressed with the ITC and Moorgate teams, and the emphasis they have placed on our clients and employees throughout the integration process. Our current team will remain in place to ensure a seamless transition for our clients and stakeholders."

About ITC Service Group

ITC, with headquarters near Sacramento, CA, provides technical staff augmentation, OSP / ISP design and broadband installation service solutions for the planning / design, construction management, installation / maintenance of voice, data and video networks, nationwide. ITC has offices in the west and midwest and now, with the acquisition of CCM, in the northeast as well. ITC employees more than 700 people nationwide.

About Moorgate Capital Partners

Moorgate Capital Partners is an independent merchant bank and advisory firm focused on the technology, media, and communications industries. Moorgate partners with industry leading executives and management teams to source and invest in middle market growth opportunities.  Moorgate has offices in New York, NY and San Francisco, CA.

About CCM

CCM is a provider of outsourced services for the wireless communications industry, including planning, deployment, construction and management of network build-outs. CCM provides wireless carriers with comprehensive real estate site acquisition and zoning services, radio frequency and network design and engineering, infrastructure equipment construction and installation, maintenance, DAS and in-building services, small cell deployment, radio transmission base station modification and project management services.

Contact:

ITC Service Group
Corporate Office
7777 Greenback Lane, Suite 201
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
Phone: (877) 370-4482
Fax: (877) 360-4482

TDS purchases Southern Utah firms

TDS Broadband Service LLC, a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., and operated by TDS Telecom (TDS®), has purchased InterLinx Communications LLC and its subsidiary Tonaquint Networks LLC in Southern Utah. TDS announced its intent to purchase the companies in November 2016 and completed the sale on Jan. 31, 2017.

“Now the work begins to make this a smooth, seamless transition for customers,” states Jim Butman, Chief Operating Officer at TDS. “We have invested heavily in St. George and other parts of the southwest to greatly improve our services. Adding the strength of the InterLinx network facilities will further strengthen our overall network quality and capacity in the area.”

In December, TDS added a 300Mbps broadband service offering to the St. George community after completing an analog reclamation process to create an all-digital cable network. TDS’ experience with commercial customers will also enable it to offer new services, including TDS managedIP, a voice over the internet protocol service (VoIP), to area businesses.

InterLinx provides wholesale fiber connections to businesses, as well as to local internet service providers (ISPs) and large carrier customers. Tonaquint Networks provides residential and business services via both fiber to the premises and wireless internet technologies.

“Our group has worked hard to provide additional internet options over the past few years,” states Matt Hamlin, CEO at Tonaquint Networks. “Today, we feel strongly about TDS’ ability to maximize the network infrastructure. We are extremely confident that our customers will be well-served by TDS and its vision for the southern Utah area. The demand for higher speeds and more bandwidth is growing exponentially. TDS is prepared for this future growth with its network investments and the acquisition of both InterLinx and Tonaquint Networks.”

TDS — and its newest employees — will focus on a successful integration of the two companies. Butman added, “I’m pleased to report all of the Tonaquint Network/InterLinx employees have been offered positions and will work with TDS to support customers locally, in addition to helping us advance the network throughout Utah.”

Employees from Tonaquint Networks, InterLinx and TDS will operate out of the current InterLinx office space in St. George.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Mid Europa Agrees to Sell Invitel

Mid Europa Partners ("Mid Europa"), the leading private equity firm in Central and South Eastern Europe, announced today that it has reached an agreement for the sale of its investment in Invitel Group to CEE Equity Partners ("CEE Equity"), the investment advisor to the China CEE Investment Co-operation Fund. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including competition clearance, and is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2017.

Invitel is the second-largest incumbent fixed line telecommunications and broadband Internet services provider with more than 1 million homes passed in Hungary, serving both residential and corporate customers.

David Blunck, the CEO of Invitel, commented: "Under Mid Europa's leadership we have strengthened Invitel's position in the Hungarian market and we are grateful for their support. We look forward to further developing the business under the ownership of CEE Equity."

Rothschild acted as exclusive financial adviser and Dechert as legal counsel to Mid Europa.

Milestone Communications Inc. Activities 2016

Press Release

December 1, 2016

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Zito Central PA, LLC in their purchase from Tele-Media Company of Zion, LLC of the cable television systems serving approximately 4,300 RGU’s in the communities of Snow Shoe and Zion, Pennsylvania.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Zito Central PA, LLC in the transaction.

Press Release

October 1, 2016

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Grayson Cable Rocket, LLC in the sale of their cable television systems serving approximately 2,000 RGU’s in Pottsboro, Ector, East Grayson and Sherwood Shores in Grayson and Fannin Counties, Texas to Cable One, Inc.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Grayson Cable Rocket, LLC in the transaction.

Press Release

August 10, 2016

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Southern Cayuga County Cablevision, LLC in the sale of their cable television system serving approximately 1,850 RGU’s in the Village of Moravia and the Towns of Moravia, Locke and Genoa in Cayuga County, New York to Zito New York, LLC.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Southern Cayuga County Cablevision, LLC in the transaction.

Press Release

February 29, 2016

Castle Pines, CO – Milestone Communications, Inc., a leading brokerage firm serving the cable telecommunications industry, served as advisor to Buford Media Group, LLC in the sale of their cable television systems serving Haskell, Munday, Stamford, Knox City and Crowell, Texas to WesTex Telco, LLC.  Michael W. Drake of Milestone Communications, Inc. represented Buford Media Group, LLC in the transaction.

FCC Designates Spot On Networks As A Lifeline Broadband Provider

Spot On Networks receives Federal Communications Commission approval for its petition seeking designation as a Lifeline Broadband Provider

NEW HAVEN, CT (PRWEB) DECEMBER 05, 2016

Spot On Networks (“SON”) has been designated as a Lifeline Broadband Provider (“LBP”) by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) after filing a petition earlier in the year. The FCC Order was adopted on December 1, 2016 and granted LBP designation to four broadband providers including Spot On Networks (Spot On), LLC.

Lifeline Broadband Providers are eligible to be reimbursed through the Lifeline program for Broadband Internet Access Services they are providing to eligible qualifying subscribers. SON initially applied for designation as a LBP due to its being chosen as the Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) for the New York Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) Queensbridge Houses multifamily housing development located in Long Island City, NY. NYCHA Queensbridge is the largest affordable housing development in the United States with 3,149 units and an estimated 7,000 residents across 26 clusters of 95 buildings in two adjacent complexes.

“We are thrilled that the FCC has designated Spot On Networks as a Lifeline Broadband Provider so that we can continue to provide our Wireless Internet Services to all who need Internet access,” stated Spot On Networks CEO, Richard “Dick” Sherwin. Sherwin continued, “The Lifeline Program offers an avenue for companies like ours to provide Internet services where they are most needed and protects consumers from being priced-out of essential broadband services. Additionally, with the implementation of WiFi Calling, residents of buildings with poor cellular services get the added benefit of voice services using smartphones. We are honored to be a part of this program.”

Lifeline Broadband is an expansion of the FCC’s Lifeline Assistance program which helps to make communications services more affordable for those in need. Initially the Lifeline program, established in 1985, focused primarily on telephone services but has been expanded to include cellphones and now internet services. To be designated as an LBP, an applicant needs to meet service standards, function in emergency situations and meet technical and financial requirements among other requirements. SON has a long-standing reputation in the multifamily industry as being the largest and most trusted provider of managed, carrier-grade, high speed wireless access and has differentiated itself by using in-house network management, monitoring and support services as well as designing networks that are customized to the needs of a building and its residents.

In his statement regarding the reform and modernization of the Lifeline program, Chairman Tom Wheeler stated, “In modernizing the program, we were guided by the principles of competition and choice. Reforms are designated to encourage more providers to participate in the program so that competition in the marketplace can increase the value of the subsidy and provide choices for consumers”. SON has long supported the FCC’s efforts to modernize the Lifeline Program in today’s digital age where the average American relies primarily on their smartphone and Internet access for communication, education and work.

About Spot On Networks

Spot On Networks (“SON”) is a wireless internet service provider and wireless consulting company representing tens of thousands of residential and commercial tenants nationwide. SON designs, deploys and manages carrier grade WiFi, WiFi Calling and CellBoost® networks to multifamily, senior living, hospitality, retail and commercial buildings. Spot On’s wireless networks are backed by patent-pending network architecture and UserSafe® technology.

SON is the leading provider of managed WiFi networks and in-building voice solutions to the U.S. multitenant housing market and is a trusted leader in wireless since 2004. SON develops WiFi-backed solutions to solve the most pressing problems facing today’s building owners.

WOW! Closes Acquisition of NuLink to Provide High-Speed Internet, Cable TV and Phone Service to Metro Atlanta

Acquisition brings 34,000 customers to WOW!'s existing network of three million residential, business and wholesale consumers

DENVER, Sept. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- WOW! Internet, Cable and Phone (WOW!), one of the nation's leading broadband providers, today announced it has finalized its acquisition of NuLink systems in Newnan, Georgia. The acquisition will extend WOW!'s unmatched customer support and high-speed Internet, cable TV and phone service to more than 34,000 additional homes and businesses.

The acquisition close comes on the heels of WOW!'s continued national expansion of high-speed Internet service, including 600 Mbps across its footprint and 1 Gig speeds in five new U.S. markets.

In connection with the transaction, Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to WOW!, while Waller Capital Partners LLC, Garrett M. Baker Advisors LLC and Locke Lord LLP acted as financial and legal advisors, respectively, to NuLink.

About WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone
WOW! is one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with a service area that passes over three million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides service in 20 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, phone, business data, voice, and cloud services the company is dedicated to provide outstanding customer service at affordable prices. Visit wowway.com or wowforbusiness.com for more information. 

Horizon Capital Increases Its Stake in Datagroup to Over 70%

Horizon Capital announced today that it has increased its stake in Datagroup, a leading independent telecom operator in Ukraine, from significant minority to over 70%. Following completion of this transaction, Horizon Capital has assumed operational control of the company. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Lenna Koszarny, Horizon Capital’s Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer, commented on the deal: “We are very pleased to increase our stake to a significant majority position in a company that we believe in and are proud to back.  Horizon’s additional financial commitment, together with the appointment in July of highly-respected McKinsey senior manager with strong telecom expertise Mykhailo Shelemba as Chief Executive Officer, truly mark the start of an exciting chapter for Datagroup.  The Company has achieved significant results to date, with leading positions in business-to-business data transmission, international traffic and satellite communication services.  Its services are delivered via an unrivaled infrastructure, including over 19,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable.  We look forward to Datagroup continuing to offer value-added solutions and services to its esteemed clients and introducing innovative new products and technologies to the market.”

Mykhailo Shelemba, Datagroup Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am truly honored to lead Datagroup at the dawn of a new era.  I want to thank our valued clients across Ukraine, our superb team and committed shareholders for contributing to Datagroup’s success over the last 16 years.  Flexibility and customer focus have always been at the core of our DNA.  Evolving with the market, we are becoming more agile, innovative and efficient.  We look forward to expanding our product line with a focus on new value-added services and end-to-end solutions for our clients.  I am confident that the talented Datagroup team, the trusted partnerships with our customers and strong backing of Horizon Capital, will take the Company to the next level of development, efficiency and profitability.”

About Horizon Capital

Horizon Capital (www.horizoncapital.com.ua) is the leading private equity firm in Ukraine, managing over $600 million in three funds. We invest in visionary entrepreneurs transforming the business landscape in Ukraine and the Region, offering the prospect of superior returns in good times and preserving capital during economic downdrafts. We are known for our integrity, transparency, governance, value creation and successful exits.

About Datagroup

Datagroup (www.datagroup.ua) is a national telecom operator holding leading positions in key segments: data transmission, international traffic transit, satellite communication. The core business of the Company is the organization of data transmission channels and connection to the Internet, fixed-line and digital telephone services, installation of equipment, radio and satellite communications, videoconferencing and video surveillance. Datagroup has established a nationwide network in Ukraine, with an emphasis on the regions, and is a leader coverage of telecom services provided.

For more information, please contact:

Tetyana Bega

Investor Relations Manager

Horizon Capital

Tel. +380 44 490 5580

e-mail: tbega@horizoncapital.com.ua

WOW! to Acquire NuLink, a Leading Provider in Metro Atlanta of High Speed Internet, Cable TV and Phone Services

WOW!’s acquisition of NuLink continues WOW!’s commitment to growth and investing in faster Internet

NuLink adds 34,000 homes passed to WOW!’s existing network which passes over 3 million residential, business and wholesale consumers

DENVER, CO – Aug. 2, 2016 – WOW! Internet, Cable and Phone, a leading provider of highspeed Internet, digital cable TV, and phone services, today announced that it will acquire NuLink’s systems in Newnan, Georgia, located 34 miles southwest of Atlanta. NuLink is a local provider of high-speed Internet, digital cable TV, and phone services to residential and business customers. NuLink offers services to over 34,000 homes and businesses. NuLink was acquired from Halyard Capital, a New York based private equity firm.

“NuLink’s long-standing commitment to the Newnan community is why this is a great acquisition for WOW!,” said Steven Cochran, CEO of WOW!. “We plan to continue investing in the local network infrastructure to bring even faster Internet to residential and business customers with speeds as high as 1 Gbps. All of us at WOW! are committed to providing an outstanding customer experience and we look forward to serving the community.”

“We are excited to become a part of the WOW! family. Since our start in 1997, we have continued to invest in the NuLink system and joining WOW! is the right next step for the Newnan community,” said Dan Shoemaker, CEO of NuLink. NuLink, a spin-off from Newnan utilities in 2008, upgraded its network in 2011 to provide a full suite of Internet, cable TV and phone services.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2016.

In connection with the transaction, Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to WOW!, while Waller Capital Partners LLC, Garrett M. Baker Advisors LLC and Locke Lord LLP acted as financial and legal advisors respectively to NuLink.

About WOW!

WOW! is one of the nation’s leading broadband providers, with a service area that passes over three million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides service in 20 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, phone, business data, voice, and cloud services the company is dedicated to provide outstanding customer service at affordable prices. WOW! is privately owned by Avista Capital Partners and Crestview Partners. Visit wowway.com or wowforbusiness.com for more information.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. The forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Actual results may differ materially from those expected because of various risks and uncertainties. You should review our filings with the SEC, including the section titled "Risk Factors" contained in our Form 10-K Annual Report filed with the SEC on March 17, 2016.

WOW! Media Contact

Paul Lonnegren Pulse8 PR (720) 470-7488 plonnegren@pulse8pr.com

EBRD sells stake in Moldova’s Sun Communications as Orange takes over

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is selling its 28 per cent stake in Moldova’s leading cable and digital TV operator Sun Communications to Orange Moldova, which is taking ownership of the company. Orange Moldova is a subsidiary of Orange S.A., the French telecommunications group.

The EBRD invested in Sun Communications in 2007 in an effort to consolidate the fragmented Moldovan cable TV market. It provided US$ 4 million in equity and a US$ 4.6 million loan to finance the company’s plans for acquisition, expansion and modernisation. Sun Communications now has a 36 per cent share of the market as measured by the number of subscribers.

The company is currently owned by Lekert Management Ltd and Neocom Ltd, the investment vehicles controlled by Sun Communications founder Alexandru Sirbu (65 per cent), the EBRD, and the senior management of the company, including John Maxemchuk, the CEO (5 per cent).

Dimitri Gvindadze, Head of EBRD office in Chisinau, said: “We are pleased to have been able to support Sun Communications and to have taken part in its successful development. We are equally pleased that the company is now being taken over by Orange Moldova, a strong strategic investor and the country’s largest mobile operator, providing 4G coverage to over 80 per cent of the population.”

The completion of the transaction remains subject to the approval of competition authorities.

Helping successful private sector companies such as Sun Communications develop and expand is part of the EBRD’s efforts to boost the Moldovan economy and attract much-needed, job-generating foreign investment.

The EBRD is the largest institutional investor in the country; since the start of its operations in Moldova, the Bank has invested close to €1 billion in more than 100 projects in the country. Its operations in Moldova are headed by Dimitri Gvindadze.