Cox announced it’s making a strategic investment in Unite Private Networks alongside Ridgemont Equity Partners and the company’s management team. UPN operates a 6,200 route mile fiber network that connects to 3,750 on-net buildings across 20 states, mainly in the central U.S. It specializes in providing high-bandwidth, fiber-based communications networks and related services to schools, government, carriers, data centers, hospitals and enterprise business customers.

“We believe that fiber infrastructure represents an attractive area for long-term investment, particularly in underserved markets,” Pat Esser, president of Cox Communications.  “UPN is led by a proven management team and is well-positioned to capitalize on the explosive demand for bandwidth driving growth within fiber infrastructure.”

Ridgemont made its initial investment in UPN in December 2010.

“We’re now excited to be joining forces with another industry leader as we continue to support the UPN team,” George Morgan, partner at Ridgemont, says. “We have tremendous confidence in the company and the fiber infrastructure sector and believe the strategic relationship with Cox will help facilitate UPN’s continued growth and success.”

UPN will be led by its existing management team and operate as a stand-alone business within the Cox family of companies. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.