1993
ACSI Founded
American Communications Services, Inc. (ACSI) was founded as a Competitive Access Provider (CAP). After its formation, ACSI quickly became one of the fastest growing providers of voice, data, and internet services in the United States.
1994
Internal Division Makes Record Accomplishments
ACSI formed an internal division to plan, design, and build the telecommunications infrastructure required to support its high growth strategy. This division was responsible for the most rapid network deployment in the CLEC industry—building over 1,000 miles of telecommunications network infrastructure between 1994 and 1997 in 30 cities in less than 30 months.
1998
ACSI Changes Name to e.spire Communications
In 1998, anticipating the opportunities that a newly deregulated telecom industry would bring, the Company made two significant changes. First, the Company changed its name to e.spire Communications, launching its new identity as an Integrated Communications Provider (ICP).
Creates Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ACSI Network Technologies
Second, ACSI spun off its network development division and created a wholly-owned subsidiary, ACSI Network Technologies, Inc. (ACSI NT) ACSI NT’s purpose was exclusively network development and it drew upon the established good will of its parent company and its network development expertise to offer customers quality network infrastructure products unique in the market.
1999
Announces $100 Million in Contracts
In just over one year from its inception, ACSI NT reached a milestone of $100 million in sales to customers who included leading telecommunications carriers, internet service providers, utilities, corporations, municipalities, and school districts.
Builds and Leases Fiber-Optic Networks in Major Tier 1 Markets
ACSI NT began construction of fiber-optic networks in Baltimore, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Tampa and offered them to customers seeking connectivity to Local Serving Offices, Interexchange Carrier POPs, Carrier Hotels, Carrier Neutral Facilities, and Customer Premise sites.
2000
Establishes Collocation and Fiber Monitoring Products for Dark Fiber Customers
ACSI NT began to provide collocation space within its facilities for Dark Fiber customers to install network equipment. Collocation arrangements allow customers faster market entry and lower the cost of locating space, site preparation, procuring and installing power, security, and disaster recovery. In addition, ACSI NT began to offer 24x7 network monitoring services to evaluate fiber condition, observe degradations and breaks, and transmit alarms to the appropriate operations center.
Strategically Extends Fiber into Bell Local Serving Offices
ACSI NT formed strategic arrangements in specific markets to extend its networks into key Local Serving Offices, which extensions provide its customers with enhanced connectivity to the ILEC’s networks and faster market entry.
2001
Hits $300 Million in Contracts
ACSI NT completed a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) survey of its networks and began performing all in-house locating services for its current networks. ACSI recorded a milestone of $300 million in aggregate sales for dark fiber and innerduct.
2002
ACSI NT Purchased; Changes Name to Xspedius Fiber Group
ACSI NT was purchased by Xspedius Communications, LLC and changed its name to Xspedius Fiber Group. Xspedius Fiber Group began to offer complete splicing services—a major benefit to its fiber customers.
2003
Xspedius Fiber Group Supports Homeland Security and develops multiple strategic partnerships to offer a complete, turn-key solution to a wide variety of customers.
Xspedius Fiber Group responded to government Homeland Security initiatives and contracted to provide $6 million in services to several critical government agencies and created partnerships with Capstone Systems, Turin and Harris to offer a complete turnkey solution to its customers.
2004
Xspedius Fiber Group spins off from Xspedius Communications, LLC
Xspedius Fiber Group spun off from Xspedius Communications, LLC. Early 2004 accomplishments have included lucrative contracts with Qwest Government Systems, Looking Glass, Broadwing, and Wil-Tel.
2005
FiberLight LLC is created when Xspedius Fiber Group sells to management and Thermo Telecom Partners
As a result of successful financing efforts, Management and Thermo Telecom Partners purchase the assets of Xspedius Fiber Group and eliminates majority of debt. The new entity created is FiberLight, LLC.