Lewiston-based Oxford Networks is merging with a New Hampshire company to create a new, larger provider of telecommunications services in Northern New England.

Oxford Networks is combining with BayRing Communications, which operates in southern Maine, New Hampshire and throughout Massachusetts. According to a media release, the combined entity will be the largest competitive telecom provider headquartered in Northern New England.

The new organization will operate about 2,000 route miles of high-capacity fiber-optic network providing access to nearly 50,000 commercial buildings, four data centers – including one at Brunswick Landing – and direct access to other major data hubs throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

According to Oxford Networks President and CEO Craig Gunderson, the merger will enable both companies to leverage their strengths to expand services to their existing clients and continue growth throughout New England and beyond.

“Over the past 15 years, Oxford Networks and BayRing have followed similar strategies: building world-class fiber-optic networks, making investments in cutting-edge data center and telecom technologies and providing a superior customer experience. This strategic partnership will allow the companies to leverage a significantly larger fiber network and data center infrastructure,” Gunderson said in the release. “Customers will see a rapid expansion and evolution of products and services.”

The merger must receive approval from the Federal Communications Commission.

Ted Mocarski, chairman of Oxford Networks’ board and a partner in Novacap, the Canadian private-equity firm that purchased Oxford Networks last year for $50 million, said the board is impressed with the leadership, technology assets and culture of both companies.

“Each organization has enjoyed significant success by focusing on local, high-touch customer service,” he said.

Oxford Networks has a fiber-optic network backbone stretching from Bangor to Boston, and high-security data centers located in Brunswick and Bangor. Oxford Networks provides end-to-end technology solutions for companies in New England and beyond.


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