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Company: First Digital, Salt Lake City, UT
Nomination Submitted by: EKR
Company Description: FirstDigital is a leading fiber-based carrier in the Western United States providing a full suite of Business services. Since 2000, FirstDigital has built, operated and maintained fiber networks for enterprises, government, health care, education and more. The company’s customer-centric model yields overall economic value, a quality of service experience and increased business productivity.
Nomination Category: Company / Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Telecommunications - Large
 Nomination Title: FirstDigital's Growth to One of the Largest Telecom Companies in the Western U.S.
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2020, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 177 words used.
FirstDigital is a leading fiber-based carrier in the Western United States. Founded in 2000, FirstDigital has built, operated and maintained fiber networks for enterprises, government, health care, education and financial institutions. The company’s customer-centric model gives clients overall economic value, an industry-leading quality of service experience and increased business productivity.
An important part of FirstDigital’s history, which will be explained further throughout the application, is the acquisition of Veracity in 2021. With this acquisition, FirstDigital became one of the largest fiber networks in the state of Utah and is expanding further in the Western states with a robust growth strategy. This growth strategy is made possible by receiving Apollo funds in 2021 as FirstDigital strives to expand in the telecom market.
FirstDigital’s operations ensure the highest quality voice, data and video communication transmission possible. This is done through a Network Operations Center (NOC) which monitors all networks and facilities for reliability and performance 24/7. Our operations also promote a one-point-of-contact and one-paper system. This simplifies business life and customer support so everyone is happily taken care of.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2020 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 227 words used.
At the beginning of 2020, the company known as FirstDigital today was still two companies — Veracity and FirstDigital. Both companies sought to keep customers up and running during a turbulent time where information and communication were key to staying safe and healthy.
Veracity was an exemplary leader through its Pandemic efforts. Early on, the agents in the city of Buffalo, NY were able to get a contact center built in 48 hours so nothing was missed. The company knew its service was vital to its customers, whether they needed medical attention, finding transportation or more in an ever-changing world. Customer support exceeded other companies’ expectations while moving on an incredibly fast timeline.
While the world was still recovering, FirstDigital spotted Veracity’s talent and ability to succeed in trials. On July 29, 2021, FirstDigital Telecom announced the acquisition of Veracity Networks LLC. This acquisition is a great achievement as it adds significant fiber networks to the growing FirstDigital footprint across the Western United States.
On this same day, Apollo Global Management, Inc. with funds managed by its affiliates (the “Apollo Funds”) agreed to invest $200 million of preferred equity in FirstDigital.
These strategic moves are positioning the company as the largest fiber operator in Utah. Additionally, the investment provides the company with liquidity to fund its long-term growth plans and capture a substantial market in the industry.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 121 words used.
FirstDigital strives to continually put the customer first and build powerful relationships. This is uniquely done through the 1-1-3 program. This means our service team contacts newly acquired customers after one week, one month and three months to continue to nurture the relationship.
Shortly before the acquisition, the high standard that separates this company from the industry was illustrated by Veracity being selected as one of only 5 Cisco partners globally to be selected for the Cisco Premier Transition Partner Certification. This certification is based on technical resources available to transition customers and real-life experience and expertise demonstrated from Cisco’s on-premises solution to the cloud. With this honor and in conjunction with the acquisition, FirstDigital became the leading partner for telecommunications.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 21 words used.
www.firstdigital.com
https://www.apollo.com/media/press-releases/2021/07-29-2021-141319799
https://www.broadbandworldnews.com/
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/veracity-networks-receives-ciscos-premier-transition-partner-certification-301287429.html
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