Douglas Services Inc. (D/b/a Douglas Fast Net), to Acquire Comspan Communications, Inc.

Combined Fiber-Optic Network in Douglas & Coos Counties will Remain under Local Ownership

ROSEBURG, Ore., July 20, 2020 (Newswire.com) – On July 1, 2020, Comspan Communications, Inc. (“Comspan”) notified the Oregon Public Utilities Commission of its intent to merge its operations into Douglas Fast Net (“DFN”). The transaction is expected to be completed on Sept. 30, 2020.

Comspan commenced business in Roseburg in 1997 after the passage of the Telecom Act of 1996 that created competition in local communications markets, including incentives to upgrade local infrastructure such as the construction of fiber-optic cable networks. Comspan originally built its first network in the city of Roseburg, then expanded by constructing over seventy miles of fiber-optic cable infrastructure in the then underserved cities of Bandon, Coquille, Myrtle Point and Reedsport.

DFN was launched in 2001 by its sole shareholder and local electric utility, Douglas Electric Cooperative. This provided the benefit and incentive for DFN to build fiber-optic cable networks throughout the rural communities in Douglas County, which previously had no practical access to any advanced data services. In 2018, DFN further expanded beyond its traditional franchise areas into Coos County with its purchase of ORCA Communications, a fiber-optic cable network serving the cities of Coos Bay and North Bend.

This transaction is an acquisition of Comspan’s assets by DFN, which will result in a locally owned, high capacity and fully integrated fiber-optic cable network throughout Douglas and Coos Counties. All local jobs will be preserved. Mark Scully, president and representative of Comspan’s shareholder, Telco Investment Group, Inc., stated, “This transaction is the next logical chapter for both companies since it maintains local control, local investment and local employment of important communications infrastructure in these more rural areas of Oregon. We are also very fortunate that this transaction resists the trend where local utilities are merged into national carriers that have limited interactions or strategic involvement with our communities.” Todd Way, chief executive officer of Douglas Fast Net, who will lead the merged entities, stated, “The integration of Comspan’s customers, network and employees is an extraordinary and exciting addition to the DFN family as this fits nicely in our mission statement to be the obvious choice for high capacity data and other communications services for our business, governmental and residential customers. We welcome all of Comspan’s subscribers and will be working diligently over the coming months with a seamless transition, customer outreach, and expanded commitment in Douglas and Coos Counties.”

Comspan is a competitive local exchange carrier providing telephone, data and video services in Douglas & Coos Counties.  Telco Investment Group, Inc. is an active investor that directly launches early venture companies, or reinvigorates later-stage investments in the telecommunications and technology sectors. 

DFN is a competitive local exchange carrier providing voice and data services in Douglas, Coos and Lane Counties. Douglas Electric Cooperative is a 501(c)(12) non-profit member-owned cooperative providing electrical power distribution with extensive coverage in rural areas of Douglas County.