Three WISPs merge into Sparkplug

Chicago-based wireless ISP Sparkplug has merged with Prairie iNet in Des Moines, Iowa and Telespectra in Scottsdale, Ariz., to form a new company under the Sparkplug name that will have operations and networks across eight states.

"Our business customers are moving more data than ever,” said Bill Malloy, currently CEO of Sparkplug, in a statement announcing the merger. “They demand scaleable high-speed connections that are affordable, reliable and quick to provision, plus come with responsive customer service. All three companies deliver on this today, and that’s why businesses are choosing us. Through the merger we are announcing today, the new company is well-positioned to meet these needs for more businesses in existing or new markets."

The merger of the three companies was led by venture capital firm Ignition Partners, in which Malloy is a venture partner, and Sparkplug Chairman Steve Hooper is a found partner. Malloy and Hooper are also both industry veterans who have worked with McCaw Cellular, AT&T Wireless and other wireless firms.

Under Sparkplug’s new structure, Malloy will lead the organization as CEO, along with senior executives Jeff Hardesty, currently CEO of Telespectra, and Neil Mulholland, CEO and founder of Prairie iNet. The new company’s network coverage will combine Sparplug’s markets of Chicago and Nashville, Tenn.; several Midwest markets served by Prairie iNet; and Telespectra’s networks in the Southwest covering Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and Southern California.

"As businesses deploy more IP-based services that are mission critical, scaleable high quality committed bandwidth is a key enabler," said Hardesty, in the statement. "This merger lets us extend our operational expertise in meeting these needs to more business customers across the combined company."