Utilicom Networks

About Utilicom Networks

Utilicom Networks, LLC operated as a competitive 'overbuilder' in the telecommunications space, a strategy that emerged following the deregulation spurred by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The company's business model was centered on building and operating its own broadband communications networks to provide a bundled suite of services, including television, high-speed internet, and telephone services, directly to consumers and businesses. These services were marketed under the brand name TOTALink.

A cornerstone of Utilicom's strategy was forming partnerships with established local electric and gas utility companies. This approach was designed to facilitate entry into second and third-tier cities by leveraging the utility's existing infrastructure, rights-of-way, and, crucially, their established brand recognition and community trust. The first major execution of this model was a joint venture in Evansville, Indiana, with Southern Indiana Gas & Electric (SIGECO), which grew to serve over 11,000 customers.

The company was led by Chairman and CEO E. Craig Sanders, an executive with a background in accounting, marketing, and a track record of corporate leadership. A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in February 2000, when it secured a capital commitment of up to $100 million from private equity firm Blackstone Capital Partners III to fuel its expansion plans. Other notable investors included Vectren Corporation, J.P. Morgan, Pamlico Capital, and Williams Communications. Ultimately, Utilicom Networks' primary operating company, SIGECOM, was acquired by WideOpenWest (WOW!) in a deal announced in August 2006, marking the conclusion of its operations as an independent entity.