Federal Communications Commission DA 26-509 DA 26-509 Released: May 21, 2026 DOMESTIC SECTION 214 APPLICATION GRANTED FOR THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN ASSETS OF VELOCITY FIBER LLC BY VERO FIBER NETWORKS, LLC WC Docket No. 26-30 By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) grants an application filed by Velocity Fiber LLC (Velocity Fiber) and Vero Fiber Networks, LLC (Vero Fiber) (together, Applicants), pursuant to section 214(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and section 63.04 of the Federal Communications Commission’s (Commission) rules, See 47 U.S.C. § 214(a); 47 CFR § 63.04. requesting Commission approval for the acquisition of certain assets of Velocity Fiber by Vero Fiber. Domestic Section 214 Application for the Acquisition of Certain Assets of Velocity Fiber LLC by Vero Fiber Networks, LLC, WC Docket No. 26-30 (filed Feb. 5, 2026) (Application). Any action on the application that is the subject of this Public Notice is without prejudice to Commission action on other related, pending applications. On March 3, 2026, the Bureau released a Public Notice seeking comment on the Application. See Domestic Section 214 Application Filed for the Acquisition of Certain Assets of Velocity Fiber LLC by Vero Fiber Networks, LLC, WC Docket No. 26-30, Public Notice, DA 26-213 (WCB 2026). The Bureau did not receive comments or petitions in opposition to the Application. Velocity Fiber, a Kansas limited liability company, is authorized to provide intrastate telecommunications services in Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. Application at 2. Applicants state that Velocity Fiber offers lit and dark fiber solutions by constructing and operating brand-new aerial and underground fiber networks. Id. According to the Applicants, Velocity Fiber’s focus is designing, constructing and operating robust fiber Wide Area Networks serving broadband intensive K-12 school districts. Id. Velocity Fiber participates in the schools and libraries universal service support program, commonly known as the E-Rate program. See https://opendata.usac.org/stories/s/E-Rate-Service-Provider-Download-Tool/twgi-emss/ (Velocity Fiber, LLC, SPIN 143050823). Velocity Fiber does not receive Universal Service Fund support through the high cost programs, and is not designated as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC). Application at 12-13. We note that E-Rate service providers are not required to be designated as ETCs. 47 CFR § 54.201(a). Vero Fiber, a Colorado limited liability company, is authorized to provide intrastate telecommunications services in 31 states. Id. at 2. The 31 states where Vero Fiber is authorized to provide intrastate telecommunications services are: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Id. Vero Fiber is wholly owned by VFN Holdings, Inc., a Delaware limited liability company. Id. at 7. Applicants provide upstream ownership information on entities, trusts, and individuals (each established in the United States or are U.S. citizens) that will, post-consummation, hold a 10% or greater interest in VFN Holdings. Id. at 7-10; see also id., Exh. A, Chart 2 (Post-Transaction Ownership Structure of Vero Fiber Networks, LLC) at 1-2. Pursuant to the terms of the proposed transaction, Vero Fiber will acquire substantially all of the assets of Velocity Fiber. Id. at 3. Specifically, Vero Fiber will acquire Velocity Fiber’s network assets, including its fiber optic network, cabling and telecommunications equipment used to provide services on or over the network; unregulated assets; contracts related to those assets; and customer accounts and related contracts. Id. Applicants assert that a grant of the Application would serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Id. at 4-7. Applicants state that Vero Fiber will expand its fiber-based telecommunications operations and service offerings, resulting in it being a stronger, better-resourced competitive provider. Id. at 5. Similarly, Applicants state that the proposed transaction will strengthen the ability of Vero Fiber to compete for future customers utilizing the acquired assets, thereby benefitting consumers of telecommunications services in the affected markets. Id. Applicants further state that there will be no adverse impacts on existing customers of Velocity Fiber, which will receive high-quality telecommunications services from Vero Fiber at the same rates and terms as currently offered by Velocity Fiber without any service disruption. After consummation of the proposed transaction, Vero Fiber must maintain full compliance with all E-Rate rules and administrative requirements. See generally 47 CFR Part 54 Subpart F. Grant of Application We find that grant of the Application will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity. See 47 U.S.C. § 214(a). Therefore, pursuant to section 214 of the Act, 47 U.S.C. § 214, and sections 0.91, 0.291, and 63.04 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR §§ 0.91, 0.291, and 63.04, the Bureau hereby grants the Application discussed in this Public Notice. Pursuant to section 1.103 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR § 1.103, the grant is effective upon release of this Public Notice. Petitions for reconsideration under section 1.106 or application for review under section 1.115 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR §§ 1.106, 1.115, may be filed within 30 days of the date of this Public Notice. For further information, please contact Gregory Kwan, Competition Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, gregory.kwan@fcc.gov. -FCC- 2