Ritter Communications invests $28 million for NWA broadband; donates $50K to Razorback Greenway

Jonesboro-based Ritter Communications said Wednesday (April 21) the company is investing $28 million to bring 100% fiber internet services and advanced cloud solutions to business customers in Springdale, Lowell, Fayetteville, Rogers and Bentonville. It’s part of the company’s $60 million investment the past two years in communities throughout Arkansas.

“Ritter Communications knows that access to fast, reliable broadband internet is a necessity for successful business operations, and we are ready to meet that demand in the Northwest Arkansas business community,” Ritter Communications CEO Alan Morse said in a statement. “With signals that travel at the speed of light, our 100% fiber high-speed internet connectivity will give Springdale, Lowell, Fayetteville, Rogers and Bentonville businesses another competitive edge.”

Ritter Communications’ services deliver speeds up to 10 gigabits per second of 100% fiber connectivity.  A specialized account management and customer support team will be stationed locally, assisting users with all services. The full suite of telecommunications services offers not only connectivity but also custom cloud solutions, giving business customers access to the new state-of-the-art Ritter Communications Data Technology Center.

The company started the Northwest Arkansas expansion project’s construction in July 2020. Five cities will be fiber-connected beginning with Springdale in April, Lowell and Fayetteville in June, Rogers in July and Bentonville later in the year. Services will become available in each city incrementally as fiber build “zones” are completed.

To commemorate the expansion, Ritter Communications made a $50,000 donation to the Razorback Regional Greenway. Patsy Christie, chairman of the Northwest Arkansas Razorback Greenway Alliance, said the money would support the construction of up to nine new rest areas along the trail.

Ritter Communications is a regional telecommunications provider, headquartered in Jonesboro serving over 100 communities across Arkansas, Texas, Missouri and Tennessee with a full suite of communications services.

The company has seven offices in three states (Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas), including a new Northwest Arkansas regional office in Rogers at 5078 Northgate Road, west of Interstate 49 in the Pinnacle Hills area. Morse said the company just leased the space and the buildout should be finished in 60 days. He said approximately 15 employees would work in the office initially.