Consolidated Communications — Honest 2026 Review + the Searchlight Privatization
Consolidated Communications — Mattoon IL based — operates across 20+ states with a heavy Northeast (ME, NH, VT) + Midwest (IL, IA, MN) concentration. Privatized by Searchlight Capital + BCI in 2024 ($3.1B take-private deal). Symmetric XGS-PON fiber overbuilt across major chunks of their network + legacy copper DSL still in service elsewhere. Active BEAD recipient.
The short version
- Who: Consolidated Communications — Searchlight + BCI privatized 2024.
- Footprint: 20+ states — ME, NH, VT, MA + IL, IA, MN, TX, WI, AL, KS, MO, NY, PA, others.
- Tech: Symmetric XGS-PON fiber + legacy DSL.
- Speeds (fiber): 250 Mbps, 1 Gig, 2 Gig, 5 Gig symmetric.
- Recommendation: 🟢 GREEN if fiber. 🔴 RED if DSL.
Consolidated Fiber tiers + 2026 pricing
Verified at consolidated.com May 2026.
| Tier | Speed | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Fidium 250 Mbps | 250 / 250 Mbps | $45/mo |
| Fidium 1 Gig | 1,000 / 1,000 Mbps | $60/mo |
| Fidium 2 Gig | 2,000 / 2,000 Mbps | $80/mo |
Note: Consolidated brands their fiber product "Fidium Fiber". Same company, different consumer-facing name.
Rick's installer take
Fidium Fiber at $60 for symmetric gig matches the best independent fiber pricing. Searchlight's privatization has so far translated to faster fiber buildout, not price extraction. Watch for changes 2026-2027 as the PE owners look for returns. For now, where Fidium Fiber lights up, take it.
How to check your address
- Visit fidiumfiber.com (consumer fiber brand) or consolidated.com.
- Confirm offering is Fidium Fiber, not Consolidated DSL.
- Cross-reference with our Coverage Grid.