When Craig Gunderson, Oxford Networks’ new chief operating officer, arrived here from Minnesota, he moved into what he saw as a leadership role in the telecommunications industry. “Many companies want to put their head in the sand, wish for the good old days and not deal with changes in the industry. Oxford Networks is a company that understands the situation today.”
Gunderson sees Oxford as a company with a long-term strategy and compelling future. “This is a company with a balance of people and business values. It’s not a traditional phone company.” These values have allowed Oxford to expand from its origins as an independent telephone company to a communications company.
Oxford Networks encompasses several business units under the parent name. These include the highly successful Megalink Internet service, with web hosting, site design and video streaming, Oxford Telephone and Revolution Networks, a fiber optic network extending from Bangor to Portsmouth.
Oxford Networks’ has over the past few years exercised smart growth. When many of the giants in telecommunications are having trouble keeping stock prices afloat, Oxford has pursued measured growth strategies. As a result, it has been able to expand and offer new services. These include building its own network in Norway/South Paris, directly competing with Verizon. Through this type of investment, the company remains solid and has similar plans for future growth.
“When you listen to customers, you know what they want,” said Rick Anstey, president and CEO. “Local service is critical. They want to do business with Maine businesses. Oxford Networks is committed to maintaining local service. We have local technicians living and involved in the communities we serve. We think this is one of the reasons our service results are among the best in the nation.”
“This is part of our values at Oxford,” added Mr. Anstey. “Our people make the difference. They are empowered to do what it takes to provide exceptional service to customers.”
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