Columbia-based telecom provider Socket will close its Jefferson City retail space March 23.
The company announced Friday and it's closing the office but plans to invest further in an expansion of its fiber-optic network throughout Jefferson City. Socket began an expansion of its fiber-optic network in Jefferson City late last year.
Socket's retail store at 500 Broadway St. served as a place for customers to drop off payments and modems or sign up for service. Two staff members will relocate to Socket's Columbia office.
In a news release, the company said it believes the money spent maintaining the Jefferson City retail space will be spent better on upgrades to its fiber-optic network.
"Our customers are doing amazing things with fiber technology, and we've seen the impact that has had on local businesses and the economy," Socket CEO and co-owner George Pfenenger said in a news release. "This change will help us bring high-speed fiber broadband to as much of Jefferson City as we possibly can."
Socket opened the office several years ago when it began expanding service in Jefferson City, Socket Marketing Manager Allie Schomaker said. Customer use of the office fell off in recent years.
"We haven't seen as many people coming in the door as they used to," Schomaker said.
Customers can still sign up for service via phone, online and at Socket's Columbia headquarters. Most customers were already calling, mailing payments or making payments online.
"They're welcome to come up to Columbia, but we certainly don't expect that," Schomaker said.
For the rest of the year, Socket will waive shipping charges for Jefferson City customers who need to swap out equipment that needs to be mailed to Columbia.
Late last year, Socket announced plans to add fiber in the Old Munichburg area of Jefferson City. Construction recently began on a second project near Missouri Boulevard between West Stadium Boulevard and Dix Road.
Socket's expansions initially targeted business customers wanting high-speed internet of 1 gigabyte per second or faster. The company said it plans to add residential fiber service in Jefferson City this year and is seeking areas with high demand to become the first neighborhoods it serves.
"We're excited about what the future holds for us in Jefferson City," Pfenenger said in a news release.
Know of any business happenings in or around Jefferson City? Let us know at [email protected].