Fibernow Taps Veteran CEO to Spearhead Aggressive Florida Expansion

MIAMI, FL – February 09, 2026 – South Florida-based Fibernow has appointed industry veteran Jason Praeter as its new Chief Executive Officer, a strategic move signaling an aggressive push for network expansion and a reinforced focus on customer experience. The appointment, effective immediately, marks a new chapter for the fiber broadband provider as it seeks to scale its operations across the increasingly competitive Florida market and beyond.

Praeter succeeds Luis Rodriguez, who is credited with guiding Fibernow through a crucial period of "foundational growth, platform development, and operational buildout." Rodriguez will remain involved with the company in a supportive capacity, ensuring a seamless leadership transition. The change at the top comes as Fibernow, backed by digital infrastructure giant DigitalBridge, prepares to leverage its established platform for a significant growth phase.

A Proven Operator Takes the Helm

Jason Praeter joins Fibernow with a formidable track record spanning nearly two decades in the consumer broadband and fiber infrastructure sectors. His most recent tenure was at altafiber, where he was instrumental in managing a business with nearly $1 billion in revenue and a subscriber base of over 500,000 customers. In senior leadership roles across sales, operations, and general management, Praeter led large-scale network expansions, drove operational scaling initiatives, and delivered sustained customer growth across multiple markets.

This extensive experience in scaling fiber-based businesses is precisely what Fibernow's backers were seeking. “Jason is a proven operator with deep experience scaling fiber-based businesses and leading organizations through periods of growth and transformation,” said Jonathan Friesel, Senior Managing Director and Head of Fiber at DigitalBridge, in a statement. “His disciplined, customer-first approach and track record of translating fiber investment into market expansion position Fibernow strongly as we execute the next phase of our strategy and broaden our footprint.”

Praeter himself has embraced the challenge, expressing his enthusiasm for leading the company's next stage. “I’m excited to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Fibernow and lead the company into its next phase of growth,” Praeter stated. He emphasized a dual focus on infrastructure and service, noting, “Fibernow has built a strong platform and a reputation for delivering reliable, high-capacity fiber services. As demand continues to grow, our focus will be on expanding our network footprint while bringing world-class service to customers across Florida and beyond.”

The DigitalBridge Blueprint for Growth

The leadership change is not merely an internal shuffle but a calculated move within the broader strategy of its parent investor, DigitalBridge. As a global leader in digital infrastructure investment, DigitalBridge’s support provides Fibernow with a significant competitive advantage. This backing enables the company to "execute quickly and scale efficiently," according to the initial announcement, a crucial factor in the capital-intensive world of fiber optic deployment.

Praeter's appointment is a clear signal of DigitalBridge's intent to accelerate its investment in the Florida market. By installing a CEO with a proven history of managing large-scale fiber build-outs, DigitalBridge is positioning Fibernow to aggressively capture market share. The company benefits not only from capital but also from DigitalBridge's extensive network of digital infrastructure companies, creating synergies in operations, procurement, and strategy. This ecosystem is designed to help portfolio companies like Fibernow accelerate network expansion, strengthen operations, and ultimately deliver superior broadband services.

This model of private equity fueling regional infrastructure development is becoming increasingly common. For Florida, it means the potential for faster deployment of next-generation connectivity, increased competition among providers, and a boost to local economies through construction and technology jobs. Praeter’s role will be to execute this blueprint on the ground, translating investment capital into physical networks and a growing base of satisfied customers.

Beyond Bandwidth: A Renewed Focus on Customer Experience

In the competitive telecommunications landscape, superior technology is often not enough to win long-term loyalty. Recognizing this, Fibernow is making a very public commitment to elevating its service standards. A key part of this initiative is the strategic evolution of its traditional Customer Support department into a dedicated Customer Experience team. This rebranding underscores a fundamental shift in philosophy: from reactively solving problems to proactively managing the entire customer journey.

This focus aligns perfectly with the "disciplined, customer-first approach" that Friesel attributed to the new CEO. The company's statement reinforces this, underscoring a belief that "exceptional service must match the strength of our technology." For customers, this could translate into tangible improvements, from a more streamlined onboarding process to more responsive and effective ongoing support.

Praeter’s challenge will be to instill this customer-centric culture throughout an organization that is simultaneously undergoing rapid physical expansion. Successfully scaling both network infrastructure and a high-touch customer service model is a complex balancing act. However, if achieved, it could become Fibernow's most powerful market differentiator, setting a new standard for service quality in a sector often criticized for its customer relations.

Navigating Florida's Crowded Broadband Market

Founded in 2004, Fibernow has established itself as a notable provider of high-speed fiber internet, cloud-based television, and digital voice services for both residential communities and businesses in South Florida. Its portfolio also includes managed IT and hosted voice solutions for small- to mid-sized businesses, giving it a solid foothold in the commercial sector.

However, the Florida broadband market is a dynamic and fiercely competitive arena. National giants and regional players are all vying for a piece of the state's growing population and data-hungry economy. To succeed, Fibernow must not only build its network faster but also smarter, identifying underserved communities and offering a value proposition that stands out.

Praeter’s mandate is clear: strengthen execution and build the operational foundation needed to support long-term, sustainable growth. This involves optimizing the logistics of network deployment, streamlining internal processes, and ensuring that the quality of service does not degrade as the customer base expands. The continued support from his predecessor, Luis Rodriguez, who oversaw the company's foundational buildout, will be invaluable in navigating this transition. With a new leader at the helm and the powerful backing of DigitalBridge, Fibernow is poised to become a more formidable force in shaping the future of connectivity across the Sunshine State.