Zentro

What Zentro does

Zentro is a Chicago-based private internet service provider specializing in fiber-powered multi-gig connectivity and managed Wi-Fi for the multifamily housing sector. The company operates the largest independent MDU-focused ISP footprint in the United States, serving more than 120,000 subscribers across approximately 1,200 buildings in 20 major U.S. metro areas. Zentro's technology stack is built on XGS-PON fiber architecture with Wi-Fi 7 capability, deployed through its SmartMDU managed Wi-Fi solution on the Calix Broadband Platform, supplemented by the ZentroIQ mobile app for resident network management and remote diagnostics.

The company generates revenue primarily through recurring monthly subscriptions across three core segments: residential home internet sold direct-to-consumer, bulk MDU agreements with property owners and developers (including managed Wi-Fi and equipment rental), and enterprise-grade business internet for commercial and hospitality customers. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with residential plans emphasizing no contracts, no data limits, and no throttling. Strategic channel partners include Calix (network platform), M|C Partners (private equity sponsor), DIRECTV (bundling), eero (equipment), and direct peering relationships with over 50 content and CDN providers.

Zentro was founded in 2009, originally as BAI Connect, and is backed by private equity firm M|C Partners. The company has scaled primarily through acquisition, including the 2023 acquisition of Ohio-based Snip Internet, and closed a $240 million asset-backed securitization in March 2026, the largest such transaction in the multifamily broadband sector to date. Headcount is reported at 51-100 employees, supporting an engineering-heavy operating model.

Name

Zentro

Legal name

Zentro Internet, LLC

Website

https://zentrointernet.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Zentro is a Chicago-based internet service provider specializing in fiber-powered multi-gig connectivity and managed Wi-Fi for multifamily communities, serving over 120,000 subscribers across 20 major U.S. metros as the largest independent MDU-focused ISP.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Broadband Internet Services

NAICS

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (5182), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151)

SIC

Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

Hybrid Cloud Management, Monitoring & FinOps (HDABAMAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cloud & Hybrid Network Management (Multi-Cloud Networking Ops) (HDAFAMAJ), Cloud Managed Services (Operations, Monitoring, Patching) (BPAEACAF)

Keywords

• Fiber internet services
• Multifamily broadband solutions
• Managed Wi-Fi MDU
• Business internet connectivity
• Hospitality event Wi-Fi

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Residential Internet Services: Monthly subscription internet services for individual residential customers in multifamily properties and single-family homes. Customers pay recurring monthly fees for symmetrical gig-speed internet with no contracts, no data limits, and no throttling.
2. Bulk MDU Internet Services: Bulk internet agreements with property owners, developers, and HOAs where Zentro becomes the preferred ISP for entire buildings or communities. Property managers pay for connectivity that is offered to residents as part of rent or at discounted bulk rates.
3. Business Internet Services: Enterprise-grade dedicated internet solutions for businesses, hospitality venues, and temporary events. Scalable multi-gig solutions tailored to business needs including managed Wi-Fi for business campuses and dedicated access connections.
4. Managed Wi-Fi Services: Turnkey managed Wi-Fi solutions for multifamily properties, including equipment rental (Zentro routers, Calix GigaSpire BLAST Systems), installation, and ongoing network management and support.
5. Equipment Rental: Rental of Wi-Fi routers and equipment including Zentro-branded routers and eero devices. Equipment remains property of Zentro and is maintained/repaired at no additional charge to customers.
6. DIRECTV Bundling: Partnership with DIRECTV allowing Zentro to offer streaming services bundled with internet packages for residential customers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Zentro is a Chicago-based internet service provider delivering fiber-powered multi-gigabit internet, managed Wi-Fi, and bulk connectivity solutions to residential homes, multifamily properties, businesses, hospitality venues, and temporary events. The company operates its own fiber network infrastructure with proprietary SmartMDU platform deployed on the Calix Broadband Platform, supported by the ZentroIQ mobile app for residents.

Product overview

Zentro is a managed internet service provider specializing in multifamily and residential connectivity. The product portfolio centers on SmartMDU, a managed Wi-Fi solution deployed on the Calix Broadband Platform, complemented by the ZentroIQ mobile app for network management. Core offerings include residential gig-speed internet, multi-gig bulk internet for MDU properties, managed Wi-Fi services, HOA solutions, business internet, and hospitality/temporary events connectivity. Add-on services include DIRECTV bundling, the My Zentro customer portal, and referral reward programs. The company delivers fiber-powered multi-gig symmetrical speeds up to 10 Gig across 20 major U.S. metro areas.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SmartMDU: A managed Wi-Fi solution deployed on the Calix Broadband Platform for multi-dwelling unit properties, providing comprehensive user management, resident Wi-Fi controls, and operational efficiency tools.

Products and services

• Residential Home Internet
• Multi-Gig Bulk Internet
• SmartMDU Managed Wi-Fi
• HOA Internet Solutions
• Business Internet
• Hospitality Wi-Fi
• Temporary Events Internet
• ZentroIQ App
• Zentro Wi-Fi Router

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.9% network uptime achieved through SmartMDU deployment
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Calix, Inc.coreTechnology or Integration · 18 July 2023Strategic technology partnership deploying SmartMDU managed Wi-Fi solution on the AI-native Calix Broadband Platform and Calix One system. Partnership enables Wi-Fi 7 and XGS-PON deployments with role-based network management, resident Wi-Fi suspension for payment enforcement, and QR code self-service activation. Partnership has achieved 99.9% network uptime and 95% resident satisfaction.
• Snip InternetcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 July 2023Zentro acquired Snip Internet in July 2023, making Zentro the largest independent MDU-focused ISP in the Midwest with combined footprint of 1,200 buildings and 61,000 subscribers. The acquisition expanded Zentro's service footprint to Ohio and major Midwest markets.
• DIRECTVminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership offering DIRECTV streaming bundled with Zentro internet services for residential customers. Provides added value to customers seeking internet plus video entertainment.
• Major Content and Cloud Providers (Direct Peering)coreTechnology or IntegrationZentro maintains direct peering relationships with 50+ content providers, CDNs, and internet exchanges including Netflix, Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Cloudflare, Akamai, LinkedIn, Yahoo, Facebook, Cogent, and others. These strategic connections route traffic more efficiently, reducing latency and improving speed and security.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hotwire Communications: Hotwire Communications (Fision) is one of the largest MDU-focused fiber ISPs in the U.S., serving high-rise residential, hospitality, and student-housing properties with gigabit and multi-gig services. It is the closest direct competitor to Zentro in the bulk-MDU fiber ISP segment.
• Pavlov Media: Pavlov Media is a privately held fiber ISP specializing in MDU and student-housing connectivity, deploying managed Wi-Fi and symmetrical gig services in multifamily communities. It directly competes with Zentro for property-level bulk contracts and shares the MDU-focused go-to-market motion.

Emerging players

• Ting Internet: Ting Internet is a growing fiber-to-the-home provider operating in select U.S. markets, focused on symmetrical gig services and customer experience. While Ting serves primarily single-family homes, it is a credible fiber-build competitor entering metros that overlap with Zentro's footprint.
• GoNetspeed: GoNetspeed is a rapidly expanding fiber ISP building multi-gig symmetrical networks across the U.S. Northeast and Midwest. As a fiber-overbuilder with municipal and private funding, it competes with Zentro for both residential and small-business broadband customers in overlapping metros.
• Starry Group Holdings: Starry is a fixed wireless ISP that historically targeted MDU buildings with broadband services. Although it has pivoted operations, its MDU-focused model and emphasis on managed in-building Wi-Fi make it a relevant adjacent peer for Zentro's SmartMDU approach.

Broad incumbents

• Lumen Technologies (Quantum Fiber): Lumen's Quantum Fiber business is one of the largest incumbent fiber ISPs in the U.S., offering symmetrical multi-gig services across 20+ states. It is a broad incumbent competitor to Zentro, with deeper capital, brand recognition, and existing MDU sales channels.
• Frontier Communications: Frontier Communications is a major incumbent fiber ISP with aggressive fiber-build expansion in 25+ states, including markets overlapping Zentro's Midwest footprint. It represents the largest competitive threat from the ILEC/incumbent side for both residential and MDU customers.
• Consolidated Communications: Consolidated Communications (now private under Searchlight Capital and BCI) operates fiber and broadband services across 20+ U.S. states with a focus on residential and small-business customers. It competes with Zentro in the Midwest and other overlapping markets.
• Metronet (AT&T Fiber): Metronet, acquired by AT&T in 2025, is one of the largest pure-play fiber ISPs in the U.S. with extensive Midwest coverage. It is a major scaled competitor to Zentro in residential and MDU fiber broadband across overlapping Midwest markets.

Regional players

• WideOpenWest (WOW!): WOW! is a regional cable/broadband provider serving the Midwest and Southeast, with overlapping presence in several of Zentro's core metros. Its cable plant and bulk MDU offering make it a direct regional competitor for property-level contracts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ZentroInternet
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zentrointernet
• Instagraminstagram.com/zentrointernet
• Xx.com/ewinternet

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zentro