Cooperative Network Services
Cooperative Network Services is a cooperative-owned LLC providing GIS mapping, FTTH engineering, HR/training, and video product consultancy to rural telecom providers and ISPs across five Midwestern states, operating as a virtual extension of its 20 member-owner telephone companies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersMenahga, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Cooperative Network Services does
Cooperative Network Services (CNS), founded in 2008 and headquartered in Menahga, Minnesota, is a cooperative-owned limited liability company that provides a vertically integrated suite of professional services, GIS software, and training products to rural telecommunications providers and ISPs across the Upper Midwest. The company is owned by 20 cooperative telephone companies operating in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and it operates as a "virtual extension" of its member clients, ranging from one-hour projects to ten-year programs. Its core technology stack is built on ESRI's ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online platforms with FME-certified data pipelines, and it has developed proprietary telecom-specific applications including the Broadband Operations Map, ACAM II/HUBB Location Verification, USAC Alert Map, Service Availability Map, and 3D RouteView Lidar Mapping. It also wholly owns and operates the Fiber Minnesota Transport Network, a regional wholesale IP/TDM backbone.
CNS monetizes through a diversified mix of revenue streams: project-based professional services (FTTH engineering, GIS mapping, video product consultancy, HR consulting); subscription-based GIS applications ($60-$650/year); training programs priced per seat ($38-$799, with a $2,500 enterprise video training tier and a $799 Leadership Power Hour series); an annual salary survey ($350); and affiliate referral fees from reselling Threads HRIS to telecom clients at cooperative bulk-purchase discounts. Its go-to-market is primarily direct sales through cooperative relationships and the CNS Collaborator email list, supplemented by a self-service e-commerce storefront for standardized products and nationally available web-based training. The company does not disclose revenue, has no external funding rounds, and targets a tightly defined vertical of rural broadband providers with regulatory expertise spanning FCC, ACAM II, HUBB, RUS, and USAC frameworks.
Cooperative Network Services firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cooperative Network Services
- Legal name
- Cooperative Network Services LLC
- Website
- https://cooperative-networks.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Cooperative Network Services is a cooperative-owned LLC providing GIS mapping, FTTH engineering, HR/training, and video product consultancy to rural telecom providers and ISPs across five Midwestern states, operating as a virtual extension of its 20 member-owner telephone companies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cooperative Network Services industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Telecommunications Engineering and GIS Services
- NAICS
- Wired Telecommunications Carriers (517111), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (518)
- SIC
- Communications Services, Nec (4899), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Rural Broadband & Cooperative Fiber Operators (HDAIACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Wholesale Wavelength, Spectrum & Dark Fiber Providers (IRU/Leases) (HDAIALAI)
Keywords
Where Cooperative Network Services is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Menahga
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cooperative Network Services business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Professional Services: Technical and administrative services including GIS mapping, fiber optic network engineering, HR services, video product consultancy. Revenue generated through project-based consulting engagements.
- Training Programs: Online and webcast training including CPNI certification, leadership development, AI skills training, and telecom-specific courses. Delivered via self-paced online modules and live webcast series.
- GIS Applications and Data: GIS apps including Broadband Operations Map, USAC Alert subscription, and misc GIS data products. Pricing varies from monthly subscriptions to one-time purchases.
- HR Software (Threads HRIS): Partnership with Threads HRIS platform providing bulk purchase discounts for telecom clients
- Network Transport Services: IP/TDM Transport and Wholesale Internet Bandwidth through Fiber Minnesota Transport Network
- Salary Surveys: Annual HR salary survey product for telecom industry
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Per seat | Pay-as-you-go | CPNI Training: $50/attendee for groups of 1-5, $38/attendee for groups of 6+ |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Leadership Development Series: $799 per participant |
| Per seat | Pay-as-you-go | GIS Workshop: $260 per person |
| Subscription | Monthly | Broadband Operations Map: From $60/month + $150 sign-up fee |
| Subscription | Annual | Package Concierge App: $650/year |
| Subscription | Annual | USAC Alert Subscription: $600/year |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | 2026 CNS Salary Survey: $350 |
| Per seat | Pay-as-you-go | Video Streaming Training: $250 per attendee, $2,500 for up to 10, $150/attendee for 11+ |
| Per seat | Pay-as-you-go | Training Refreshers: $89 per person (1-5), $69 per person (6+) |
| Subscription | Annual | MTA Legislative Map Hosting: $300/year |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Misc. GIS Data: $600 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels3 records
Cooperative Network Services product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cooperative Network Services provides GIS-based mapping and analytics, fiber optic network engineering (FTTH design, staking, permitting, inspection), HR and training solutions (CPNI certification, leadership development, AI training), and video product consultancy to rural cooperative telephone companies and ISPs. The firm also builds and sells subscription-based telecom apps (Broadband Operations Map, USAC Alert, ACAM II/HUBB verification) and operates the Fiber Minnesota Transport Network for IP/TDM and wholesale bandwidth services.
Product overview
Cooperative Network Services (CNS) offers a portfolio of professional services and products for rural broadband telecommunications providers. The core offerings include GIS mapping and analytics applications (Broadband Operations Map, ACAM II/HUBB verification, Service Availability Map), fiber optic network engineering services, HR and training solutions (CPNI training, Leadership Power Hour, Threads HRIS partnership, AI training for ISPs), and video product consultancy. CNS also operates a digital store selling training products, GIS apps, and subscription services. The products work together as a comprehensive support ecosystem for rural ISPs—from network design and mapping to staff training, regulatory compliance, and operational management tools.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ACAM II / HUBB Location Verification Telecom application for ACAM II and HUBB location verification, helping rural broadband providers verify service locations for broadband funding programs.
- Broadband Operations Map App Subscription-based GIS application for visualizing and managing broadband operations, subscriber data, and network infrastructure. Plans based on subscriber count (0-5,000 or 5,000+).
- USAC Alert Subscription Annual subscription providing weekly emails for 12 months with alerts and updates related to USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company) broadband funding programs.
- Service Availability Map App Application for mapping and tracking service availability across telecom provider networks.
- 3D RouteView (Lidar Mapping) Lidar-based 3D route mapping service for fiber network design and planning, providing detailed terrain and infrastructure visualization for telecom builds.
- Fiber Optic Network Engineering Engineering services for fiber optic network design, including FTTH projects, field staking, permits, construction inspection, and project management for telecom providers.
- GIS Mapping / Analytics Geographic Information System services including spatial analysis, network design mapping, data quality management, and web mapping capabilities for telecom providers.
- Threads HRIS Human Resources Information System partnered with CNS for performance management driven by core values, helping organizations align culture with results, available to telecom clients at bulk purchase discounts.
- CPNI Training 30-minute online training course on Customer Proprietary Network Information for telecommunications employees, required annually by the FCC for companies handling consumer data.
- Leadership Power Hour Monthly 10-part webcast series for leadership development covering communication, team building, performance management, and organizational culture, including one-on-one coaching and personalized leadership development plans.
- Collaboration Workshops Custom-crafted workshops for teams and leaders including team building, culture development, and communication skills training.
- Video Product Consultancy Expert guidance for IPTV and OTT providers including video product audits, programmer contract negotiations, franchise agreement assistance, and new product development.
- FCC Public File Assistance Regulatory compliance support for cable TV providers managing FCC public file updates including children's programming, political ads, EAS testing, and equal employment opportunity.
- AI Training for ISPs AI skills training program designed specifically for rural telecom providers to understand and implement artificial intelligence tools and applications.
- Telecom Training Courses Training curriculum including CPNI, AI, Leadership, and collaboration workshops built specifically for rural telecom providers with co-op participation benefits.
- Package Concierge App Subscription Annual subscription providing 12 months of access to Package Concierge App for company internal or external use.
- GIS Workshop Two-day workshop covering new GIS developments, tips and tricks for ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online, and Q&A sessions for telecom GIS knowledge advancement.
- CNS Salary Survey Annual HR salary survey for the telecommunications industry providing compensation data and benchmarks, available as a one-time purchase with download link after payment.
- Reasonable Suspicion Training Training for supervisors and managers on identifying and handling reasonable suspicion situations in the workplace.
- Video Streaming Training Self-paced online training to elevate staff to pro-level expertise in video streaming services, including a certificate of completion and volume discounts for larger groups.
- MTA Legislative Map Hosting Annual hosting service for legislative maps.
- Training Refreshers Refresher courses for telecom staff to stay current with industry standards and regulations, with volume discounts available.
- Misc. GIS Data Miscellaneous GIS data purchase for internal company use, with restrictions on data resale.
- Fiber Minnesota Transport Network Services IP/TDM Transport and Wholesale Internet Bandwidth services delivered through the CNS-owned Fiber Minnesota Transport Network, connecting wireless towers, enterprises, and businesses across Minnesota and into North and South Dakota.
Quantifiable outcome
- Deep industry expertise with team members averaging 20+ years of telecom experience
Companies that use Cooperative Network Services
Customer profileNamed customers19 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Cooperative Network Services technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
Cooperative Network Services partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Threads (ThreadsCulture.com)coreCNS partners with Threads HRIS to offer performance management tools to telecom clients. CNS leverages the partnership to provide bulk purchase discounts for clients, helping organizations align culture with results through core values and performance expectations.
- Fiber MinnesotacoreCNS is owner and operator of Fiber Minnesota Transport Network, managing one of the key transport networks in the region connecting all corners of Minnesota from wireless towers to large enterprises.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Cooperative Network Services competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- BHC Rhodes: Telecom engineering consultancy offering GIS, fiber design, and network planning services to rural and mid-sized telecommunications providers.
- Conexon: Consulting and engineering firm that partners with rural electric cooperatives to design and build fiber networks; directly comparable to CNS's FTTH engineering services for rural cooperative telcos.
- Magellan Advisors: Broadband consulting firm providing feasibility studies, network design, and funding application support for rural and tribal broadband providers — comparable to CNS's BEAD/ACAM-adjacent work.
- Vantage Point Solutions: Telecom engineering and consulting firm specializing in fiber network design, regulatory compliance, and broadband mapping for rural carriers — overlapping with CNS's GIS and engineering offerings.
- NRTC (National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative): National cooperative providing managed services, broadband technology, and consulting to rural electric and telephone cooperatives — directly comparable to CNS's shared-services model for member co-ops.
- Finley Engineering: Telecommunications engineering firm providing outside plant design, network planning, and GIS services to rural and regional carriers across the U.S.
- Tilson: Telecom infrastructure services company providing network design, construction management, and IT services to broadband providers including rural carriers.
Broad incumbents
- Calix: Public broadband platform company serving rural ISPs and electric co-ops with OSS/BSS, network hardware, and managed services — broader portfolio but overlapping customer base with CNS.
Others
- Power & Tel: Distribution and supply chain partner serving independent telcos, broadband providers, and rural utilities — an ecosystem participant in the same rural telecom market CNS serves.
- NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association: Industry association representing rural community broadband providers; CNS serves a substantially overlapping constituency and engages with NTCA-aligned policy frameworks.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Cooperative Network Services financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cooperative Network Services leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles33 records
Cooperative Network Services subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Cooperative Network Services funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cooperative Network Services M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cooperative Network Services
What does Cooperative Network Services do?
Cooperative Network Services provides GIS-based mapping and analytics, fiber optic network engineering (FTTH design, staking, permitting, inspection), HR and training solutions (CPNI certification, leadership development, AI training), and video product consultancy to rural cooperative telephone companies and ISPs. The firm also builds and sells subscription-based telecom apps (Broadband Operations Map, USAC Alert, ACAM II/HUBB verification) and operates the Fiber Minnesota Transport Network for IP/TDM and wholesale bandwidth services.
Is Cooperative Network Services a public or private company?
Cooperative Network Services is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Cooperative Network Services founded?
Cooperative Network Services was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Cooperative Network Services based?
Cooperative Network Services is headquartered in Menahga, United States, in the North America region.
How does Cooperative Network Services make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Professional Services are the primary driver. The others are training Programs, GIS Applications and Data, HR Software (Threads HRIS), network Transport Services and salary Surveys.
Who are Cooperative Network Services's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are BHC Rhodes, Conexon, Magellan Advisors, Vantage Point Solutions, NRTC (National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative), Finley Engineering and Tilson. Calix is listed as a broad incumbent. Others are Power & Tel and NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association.
Does Cooperative Network Services have an API?
No public API is recorded for Cooperative Network Services.
What industry is Cooperative Network Services in?
Cooperative Network Services's product category is Telecommunications Engineering and GIS Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIACAG, Rural Broadband & Cooperative Fiber Operators, with a secondary code of HDAIALAI, Wholesale Wavelength, Spectrum & Dark Fiber Providers (IRU/Leases). Its NAICS code is 517111 and its SIC code is 4899.