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Ripple Fiber Agrees to Acquire BridgeNET Fiber, Strengthening Its North Carolina Footprint

via Business Wire

Following the June 4, 2025 transaction close, Ripple Fiber projects growth of 18,000 passings in Statesville, NC

Ripple Fiber, a rapidly expanding fiber optic network builder and operator headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, has agreed to acquire BridgeNET Fiber. Ripple Fiber is partnering with BridgeNET’s ownership team to expand the network throughout Statesville, North Carolina, where the provider is headquartered. BridgeNET will continue to operate the market and will be empowered with the capital and a toolset to support rapid expansion. This transaction embodies a new approach to augment Ripple Fiber’s expansion strategy, creating partnerships with entrepreneurs and network owner-operators across the country that intentionally mirror Ripple Fiber’s ethos.

“Since launching, BridgeNET has passed over 3,000 homes, built real momentum, and proved they can stack up to competitors in the region on quality and pace. They have kept their customers close and executed their own installations, while remaining grounded in local partnerships. BridgeNET has established a reputation to be proud of,” said Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Ripple Fiber. “As a result of this acquisition, Statesville residents will get the fiber internet they deserve, supporting BridgeNET’s mission to expand digital access across the community. We’re eager to introduce Ripple Fiber to current and future customers, with the local support of Taylor and his team.”

Previously serving as Founder and President of BridgeNET, Taylor Brown is now the Managing Director of Ripple Fiber’s Statesville network. With extensive experience across multiple companies in the utility and fiber sectors, his leadership is defined by his commitment to quality internet and customer satisfaction. In his new role, Brown’s focus remains consistent—bridging the digital divide for his fellow residents and upholding his values of service and community investment.

“BridgeNET Fiber started as a simple idea. I wanted to bring real fiber internet to a community that the bigger players always seemed to skip over. We built the company from scratch with a tight-knit team that knew how to permit, bore, splice, and construct a network the right way. Every address mattered, and we earned trust one install at a time,” said Taylor Brown, Managing Director of Ripple Fiber Statesville. “Now, as part of Ripple Fiber, we get to bring that same energy to a much bigger platform. We’re still focused on our community, still leading with the same team, and still doing things our way on the ground, but with the scale, capital, and backing to really go the distance. It’s the same mission, just a bigger stage.”

As the only 100 percent fiber internet provider in Statesville, BridgeNET positioned itself as a local player that puts the community’s needs first, introducing residents to future-ready infrastructure. Now fully supported with the capital and corporate oversight from Ripple Fiber, the projected fiber footprint for the City of Statesville is 18,000 passings.

“Successful businesses are driven by passionate people, and this is especially true with fiber to the home. While Ripple Fiber has large scale network deployments covered, we have the opportunity to accelerate our growth by partnering with passionate entrepreneurs and network owner-operators like Taylor,” added Matt Biller, SVP of Corporate Development at Ripple Fiber. “I’m delighted to kick off this strategy with our partnership with BridgeNET. We’ve worked hard at developing the partnership framework for the past few months, and I look forward to accelerating it.”

From a transaction structure perspective, Ripple Fiber has acquired the BridgeNET assets and employed the BridgeNET team. Ripple Fiber has also designed and implemented a suite of incentives to drive a successful outcome for Ripple Fiber Statesville.

ABOUT RIPPLE FIBER

Founded in 2021, Ripple Fiber provides thousands of homes with the brightest and fastest fiber internet solutions, powered by a 10Gig, 100 percent fiber optic network. With its patented technology driving rapid expansion, Ripple Fiber is redefining connectivity for its communities while remaining committed to promoting digital empowerment. Ripple Fiber believes the biggest wave starts as a ripple. For more information, please visit ripplefiber.com.

ABOUT BRIDGENET FIBER

Headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina, BridgeNET Fiber brings high-quality, affordable fiber internet to underserved communities. The company leverages its vertically integrated, turn-key deployment model and is committed to bridging the digital divide through reliable fiber infrastructure. Passionate about delivering essential connectivity where it’s needed most, BridgeNET is dedicated to building a more connected future for all. To learn more about BridgeNET Fiber, visit bridgenet-inc.com.

“As a result of this acquisition, Statesville residents will get the fiber internet they deserve, supporting BridgeNET’s mission to expand digital access across the community," said Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Ripple Fiber.

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