Houston-based Rural Telecommunications of America (RTA) has completed its acquisition of Net3 ISP of Odessa/Midland Texas as part of its continued expansion across rural America.
Net3 ISP, serves customers in the Odessa, Midland, Greenwood, Gardendale and Crane areas. It offers rural fiber and wireless Internet service for residential and commercial customers, RTA said in a news release.
Demand for broadband Internet services continues to rise and has become critical for the 25% of the nation’s children in rural areas as they take part in e-learning, the news release said. Teleworking and telehealth add to the demand for broadband services.
"The acquisition of Net3 ISP is yet another step forward for growing the RTA family," said Donald Workman, chairman of RTA. "RTA will leverage the work Net3 ISP began over 40 years ago and expand its service offerings and footprint."
Net3 ISP was founded in 1978. Key services offered by the company include fiber and fixed wireless Internet services. With the acquisition by RTA, Net3 ISP has updated many of Narrowing the digital divide in rural America helps communities’ build economic and social prosperity, the news release said.For rural communities to compete with urban areas, they need the same level of broadband services available. Creating a smart, connected city may spur that growth.
"Many rural communities are competing for people moving from urban areas who will expect the same level of broadband services they experienced in their urban cities," the news release said. "A smart connected city can make the difference to attract new residents."
Net 3 ISP President Malynda Nowell said the aquisition will mean "new and improved internet services to our community."
Commenting on the acquisition, RTA CEO Jim Edwards added, "We are excited to begin working with the Odessa/Midland community to bring new connectivity solutions to its businesses and residents."