What Nextera Communications does

Nextera Communications is a Minnesota-focused telecommunications company founded in 2005 that provides converged voice, internet, and data services primarily to small and medium businesses, with secondary enterprise and residential segments. The company owns and operates what it describes as the largest fixed wireless network in Minnesota, comprising 50+ hub locations each covering approximately a five-mile radius, supplemented by fiber, T-1, Ethernet over Copper, and DSL facility options under a single next-generation IP backbone. Headquartered in Baxter, Minnesota, with regional offices in Minnetonka (Twin Cities), Duluth (northern MN), and St. Cloud (central MN), Nextera delivers voice (VoIP, Hosted IP PBX, SIP Trunking, T-1 Voice, Business Lines, Wireless Voice), internet (Fixed Wireless, T-1, Metro Ethernet, DSL, BGP/Multi-Hosting), and data (Metro Ethernet, Private Lines, Datacenter & Colocation) services, augmented by UCaaS/CCaaS add-ons branded MaX UC Softphone, MaX Meeting, ACD, and Voice Operator Panel. The underlying network uses MPLS, carrier-class routers, next-generation softswitch technology, and redundant upstream connections to multiple Tier 1 providers.

Nextera operates a sales-led go-to-market with dedicated Twin Cities account managers, supported by a three-tier channel program (Agent, Wholesale, and Business Partner Referral). Revenue is generated almost entirely through subscription-recurring monthly service fees across voice and internet products, supplemented by one-time equipment/hardware sales, $39.99 per-line early-termination fees (first 12 months), and usage-based charges for international calls, directory assistance, and overage minutes. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; service terms span monthly, annual, and multi-year contracts across Residential, Small Business, Business Plus, T-1, and Fixed Wireless tiers with a 30-day money-back guarantee on most voice tiers. The company also supports several vertical use cases highlighted in published case studies, including promotional products, equipment distribution, manufacturing, and live online auctions.

In 2024, Nextera was acquired by EarthLink, one of the largest internet service providers in the U.S., and now operates as a branch of EarthLink Business. Prior to that exit, Nextera expanded through a roll-up of four Minnesota telecom assets (Small Business Networks, StoneBridge Wireless, CitiLink Communications, and OneNet USA). The company is privately held, has not disclosed funding rounds or revenue figures, and operates with 11–50 employees.

Name

Nextera Communications

Legal name

Nextera Communications

Website

https://nextera.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Nextera Communications is a Minnesota-based telecommunications company, founded in 2005 and now a branch of EarthLink Business, providing converged voice, internet, and data services over the largest fixed wireless network in Minnesota to small and medium businesses, with secondary enterprise and residential customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Telecommunications Services

NAICS

Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (51711), Wired and Wireless Telecommunications (except Satellite) (5171), Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112), All Other Telecommunications (517810)

SIC

Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) (4813), Services-Telephone Interconnect Systems (7385), Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

Business/Enterprise Fixed Connectivity Providers (SME/Enterprise Broadband) (HDAIABAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Voice Services (POTS/VoIP) over Fixed Access (HDAIABAH), Carrier & Public Venue Wi‑Fi (Hotspot/Passpoint/NGH) (HDAFACAI)

Keywords

• Fixed wireless internet
• Business voice services
• Hosted VoIP
• SIP trunking
• Managed network services

Headquarters

HQ city

Baxter

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Voice Services: Monthly service fees for VoIP, Hosted PBX, SIP Trunking, T-1 voice lines, and other voice services. Includes activation fees and per-line charges. Business tiers include Residential, Small Business, and Business Plus.
2. Internet Services: Monthly fees for fixed wireless, T-1, Ethernet, DSL, and fiber internet services. Bandwidth options range from 1.5Mbps to 1Gbps with symmetrical speeds. Burstable bandwidth options available.
3. Equipment and Hardware: One-time fees for IP phones, multimedia terminal adapters, and other customer premise equipment. Device warranty programs available for manufacturing defects.
4. Termination and Cancellation Fees: $39.99 per voice line termination fee if service is terminated during first twelve months. Charges for early termination of service term.
5. Usage-Based Charges: International usage charges, payphone calls to toll-free numbers, directory assistance ($0.99 per call), and usage beyond included minutes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Nextera Communications provides business and residential telecommunications services in Minnesota, including voice (VoIP, Hosted IP PBX, SIP Trunking, business and residential lines), internet (Fixed Wireless WiMax, T-1, Metro Ethernet, DSL, fiber, BGP/Multi-Hosting), and data services (Private Lines, Datacenter Colocation, Email & Web Hosting). Services are delivered over a proprietary next-generation IP network combining fiber and wireless transport with MPLS, carrier-class routing and Tier 1 backbone access, supported by local 24/7 technical support.

Product overview

Nextera Communications offers a comprehensive telecommunications portfolio as a single-product-service provider with multiple delivery mechanisms. The core offering includes converged voice, internet, and data services delivered via multiple facility options: fixed wireless (WiMax), fiber, T-1, and Ethernet over Copper. Voice services encompass VoIP, Hosted IP PBX (Hosted Voice), SIP Trunking, T-1 Voice, Business Lines, and Wireless Voice. Internet services include Fixed Wireless, Internet T-1, Metro Ethernet, DSL, and BGP/Multi-Hosting. Additional services include Email & Web Hosting, Datacenter & Colocation, and Private Lines. The portfolio is enhanced with software add-ons including MaX UC Softphone (mobile/desktop softphone with audio/video conferencing and CRM sync), MaX Meeting (video conferencing with screen sharing and whiteboards), ACD (Automatic Call Distribution for contact centers), and Voice Operator Panel (VOP soft client for receptionists). The entire service stack runs on a next-generation IP network using MPLS, carrier class routers, and softswitch technology.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MaX UC: Desktop and mobile softphone application for PC, Mac, cell phone or tablet enabling users to make and receive calls using existing business line.
• MaX Meeting
• ACD (Automatic Call Distribution)
• Voice Operator Panel (VOP)

Products and services

• VoIP Voice over IP internet phone service enabling voice calls over IP networks with various calling features, available for residential and business customers.
• Hosted IP PBX (Hosted Voice) Hosted private branch exchange phone system administered from a centralized platform in the provider's data center, eliminating on-site PBX hardware requirements for businesses.
• SIP Trunking Session Initiation Protocol trunking service connecting customer PBX systems to the PSTN over IP networks, for businesses with on-premise phone systems.
• Fixed Wireless Internet (WiMax) High-speed fixed wireless broadband delivered over the air from towers using Nextera's proprietary network of 50+ hub locations, offering symmetrical bandwidth speeds from 1.5Mbps to 1Gbps with redundancy benefits.
• Internet T-1 High-speed T-1 broadband service combining voice and data on a single circuit for business efficiency and bandwidth needs.
• Metro Ethernet Ethernet internet service for businesses requiring high-bandwidth connectivity across metro areas in Minnesota.
• DSL High Speed Internet Digital subscriber line internet service offering high-speed connectivity for businesses across Nextera's service footprint.
• Email & Web Hosting Email and web hosting services for business communication and online presence.
• Private Lines (Point-to-Point) Dedicated point-to-point data connections between business locations for private network connectivity.
• Datacenter & Colocation Data center and colocation services for housing business equipment and ensuring network reliability.
• Business Lines Traditional and IP-based business phone line services for all business types and sizes in Minnesota.
• BGP & Multi-Homing Border Gateway Protocol routing and multi-homing services providing network redundancy and optimal routing for businesses.
• Residential Lines Residential phone line services for home customers in Minnesota.
• MaX UC Softphone Mobile and desktop softphone application enabling users to make and receive business calls with their business phone number as caller ID, supporting audio/video conferencing, IM/SMS, and seamless call movement between devices.
• MaX Meeting Video and audio conferencing solution for desktop, laptop, or tablet with screen sharing, chat, and whiteboard capabilities.
• ACD (Automatic Call Distribution) Contact center solution with configurable call routing, supervisory monitoring, CRM integration, and statistical reporting for call centers.
• Voice Operator Panel (VOP) Soft client application for operators and receptionists enabling efficient call management with drag-and-drop transfers, directory integration, and CRM/email connectivity.
• Wireless Voice Wireless voice service for residential and mobile business communications.
• Voice T-1 T-1 voice service providing dedicated voice circuits for businesses requiring reliable, high-capacity voice connectivity.
• Event Internet Temporary high-speed internet service for special events requiring reliable connectivity.

Quantifiable outcome

• Bandwidth speeds from 1.5Mbps to 1Gbps with symmetrical upload/download performance
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• EarthLinkflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024EarthLink acquired Nextera Communications in 2024. Nextera now operates as a vibrant branch of EarthLink Business, combining EarthLink's status as one of the largest ISPs in the U.S. with Nextera's regional expertise in Minnesota. Partnership provides expanded network coverage, white-glove digital marketing services, premier business perks, enhanced expertise, and advanced security solutions.
• Small Business NetworkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNextera acquired Small Business Networks, expanding its customer base and capabilities in serving small business telecommunications needs.
• StoneBridge Wireless Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic acquisition of StoneBridge Wireless Inc. that contributed to Nextera's fixed wireless network expansion.
• CitiLink CommunicationscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquisition of CitiLink Communications as part of Nextera's growth strategy in the Minnesota telecommunications market.
• OneNet USAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcquisition of OneNet USA expanding Nextera's footprint and capabilities in telecommunications services.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/nextera-communications-89861747825
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nextera-communications

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Nextera Communications