Amherst Communications purchased Union Telephone Company December 31, 2021. This strategic acquisition, which continues Amherst’s focus on its core broadband areas, will expand fast fiber internet to rural Wisconsin communities.

Amherst Communications General Manager Rick Letto said, “Our Amherst Communications family is very excited to enter into this agreement and expand our Wisconsin service area to include exchange areas around Coloma, Hancock, Plainfield, Bancroft, and Almond. We are pleased to continue Union’s dedication to moving people, businesses, and communities forward by delivering the latest reliable communications solutions.”

In addition to the Union Telephone Company, Amherst Communications acquired Unitel, Inc., in November 2021. Unitel, which has offices in northeast and central Wisconsin, designs and installs IP telephone systems and related equipment. Unitel was named Sangoma’s US Partner of the Year for 2020 and has a large customer base across the United States.

The acquisitions will allow Amherst Communications to provide an even wider range of high-speed gigabit-capable internet, data, phone, security, cloud, and wholesale carrier solutions.

Letto said, “Amherst, Union, and Unitel have similar business philosophies founded on treating employees like family, as well as a commitment to providing exceptional customer service which makes this a great fit. Our Wisconsin communities deserve complete broadband solutions, which we achieve through strategic growth and realizing synergies of a combined workforce and innovative technology. Amherst Communications is positioned to deliver those complete broadband solutions well into the future.”

Amherst Communications has served Wisconsin for 118 years. Areas served include Amherst, Amherst Junction, Rosholt, and parts of the Towns of Buena Vista, Custer, Dewey, Lanark, Nelsonville, New Hope, Stockton, Shantytown, and Sharon. In addition, the company also services areas north and east of Stevens Point, some developments in south Plover, and parts of western Waupaca County including parts of the Towns of Dayton and Farmington.

The Union Telephone Company was incorporated March 8, 1900, along with Almond Telephone Company on June 6, 1900, and Coloma Telephone Company on June 26, 1906. The three companies were merged under the name of Union Telephone Company in June 1980 and now serve the Villages of Almond, Bancroft, Coloma, Hancock, Plainfield, and the surrounding rural areas. The main office is located in Plainfield.

Unitel was formed in 1992 with the merger of Com-Tel Systems in central Wisconsin, Great Central Communications in Marathon, and Superior Communications in Appleton.