ROCKLAND — Biddefordbased GWI, Inc. recently announced that it has closed a deal to acquire Rocklandbased Midcoast Internet Solutions, adding 2,495 business and residential customers from Bath to Belfast as well as expertise in fixed wireless broadband service.

According to a news release, Midcoast Internet Solutions was founded in April 1995 by CEO Jason Philbrook. The company offers many services to residential and business clients including, but not limited to, broadband Internet, digital phone, private links, and web hosting. Midcoast was one of the first companies on the East Coast to install broadband connection via fixed wireless technologies and offers innovative wireless-tofiber solutions for many who live on Maine’s islands.

Staying on

Philbrook grew the company to $1.6 million in annual revenues and will stay on, remaining in the company’s Rockland headquarters.

“GWI is pleased to join forces with another leading, Maine-based technology company,” said GWI CEO Fletcher Kittredge. “This is a great fit. Both companies are focused on offering our customers the best technology available in the marketplace — and fast, friendly, local customer service.”

Kittredge expects Midcoast’s team to play a key role in his company’s future.

“With the advent of the Three Ring Binder, there is the opportunity to bring broadband to unserved areas of rural Maine. Midcoast’s expertise in fixed wireless and Fiber-To-The-Home networks greatly enhances GWI’s ability to expand broadband coverage statewide. We welcome Jason and the Midcoast team to GWI,” Kittredge added.

“This is a good day for Midcoast employees and our customers,” said Philbrook. “GWI is the perfect partner with the same commitment to innovation and customer service we have always had. This is a combination of two great Maine broadband companies and an opportunity to expand both coverage and service in the Mid-coast. We look forward to growing as part of GWI.”