Washington – September 15, 2026 -- Grain Management has completed the merger of Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications, forming Rightfiber, one of the nation's largest privately held fiber broadband platforms operating across 20 states.
New entity secures $1.6 billion credit facility to fund expansion
Rightfiber has entered into a $1.6 billion credit facility led by Fifth Third Bank to finance organic growth and potential acquisitions. CEO Heath Simpson said the company's team is in place, its network connected, and systems integration is under way following the funding close.
Combined network reaches 300,000 fiber passings across 28,000 miles
Rightfiber now serves more than 400 communities in 20 states through a 28,000-mile fiber network with over 300,000 Fiber-to-the-Home passings. The platform provides services to residential customers, businesses, carriers, hyperscalers and community partners.
Merger, first announced in June, unites two providers each with over 100 years of history
Grain Management, which backed both Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications through long-term investment in fiber infrastructure and operational expansion, structured the combination to create a single platform for continued network investment. Simpson said the deal establishes an organization built on shared values and a commitment to the communities served, while maintaining local service teams and existing customer relationships.
Customers retain existing service teams as transition to Rightfiber proceeds
Existing services and local support teams remain in place for customers of both legacy companies as they transition to the Rightfiber brand, with the combined organization stating it will continue investing in network expansion and technology innovation across its footprint.