Consolidated Communications changes its name to Fidium

MATTOON — Consolidated Communications announced Monday it has changed its name to Fidium as it unites its residential, business and wholesale lines of business under a single, fiber internet and network services brand.

The company reported in a news release that Fidium now represents all of its fiber-based solutions nationwide, and more than 75% of its broadband customers. The company reported it's on track to reach more than 80% of its footprint with fiber within the next few years.

Fidium was launched as a brand in 2021. This name now represents all lines of business formerly branded as Consolidated Communications — Fidium Fiber, Fidium Business and Fidium Wholesale.

Dan Stoll, president of commercial and carrier business for Fidium, said in the release that for commercial and wholesale customers, Fidium means enterprise-level networks, carrier-grade infrastructure, and solutions designed to grow with them.

“By unifying under one fiber-focused brand, we can scale faster, expand our capabilities and network more seamlessly, while continuing to deliver the secure, reliable connectivity organizations need to compete and succeed," Stoll said.

The company reported that it has invested approximately $1.7 billion in fiber infrastructure since 2020, expanding its footprint to more than 700 communities and earning recognition as one of the nation’s top 10 fiber networks by route miles.

Monday’s announcement comes as the company prepares for a leadership transition. It recently announced that President and CEO Bob Udell will retire at the end of 2025 and join the board of directors as vice chairman. Chief Operating Officer Gaurav Juneja will become CEO at the start of 2026.

Udell said in the release that leading this company through its transformation from a legacy telecom provider to one of the nation’s fastest-growing fiber businesses has been the honor of his career.

“Our residential and small business success has shown what’s possible when you combine world-class fiber internet with a customer-first mindset," Udell said. "Expanding Fidium across every customer group allows the organization to carry that same promise to businesses, institutions and communities nationwide.”

The origins of Fidium date back to 1894, when Dr. I.A. Lumpkin founded the Mattoon Telephone Co. This organization evolved into the Illinois Consolidated Telephone Co. in 1924 and into Consolidated Communications Inc. in 1984. The company continues to operate facilities in Mattoon.

Fidium reported that there is no change to its corporate headquarters in Mattoon as a result of the announcement on Monday.

Juneja said in the release that as the company enters this next chapter, he is committed to building on its momentum by delivering an exceptional customer experience, driving innovation that sets them apart, and leading its talented team.

The incoming CEO said the Fidium brand, with its new “Fiber Up" tagline, unites their work as they are standardizing the network to fiber, digitizing the customer experience and energizing their employees.

"We're investing in providing access, connectivity and opportunity to hundreds of communities," Juneja said. "That's why 'Fiber Up' is more than a tagline — it's a call to action for people, businesses and communities to grow, innovate and prosper together.”

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