News Summary
The San Antonio community is mourning the loss of Arthur L. Smith, the visionary founder and CEO of Digerati Technologies Inc., who passed away at 60. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to telecommunications in Latin America, Smith’s legacy will endure through the many lives he impacted. His leadership and adaptability during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately transformed the telecom landscape. As the region reflects on his achievements, Smith’s dedication to progress will continue inspiring future generations.
San Antonio Remembers Arthur L. Smith: A Tech Visionary Departs
In the heart of San Antonio, Texas, the community is mourning the loss of Arthur L. Smith, the innovative founder and CEO of Digerati Technologies Inc., who passed away on February 16, 2025, at the age of 60. Just a few months ago, Smith had triumphantly returned to work after a challenging ten-month medical leave to battle cancer. His sudden passing has left many in shock, revealing just how much he meant to the people around him.
A Legacy of Innovation
Smith was more than just a leader; he was a trailblazer who shaped the way we think about telecommunications and internet software in Latin America. Over his impressive career, which spanned more than 25 years in publicly owned companies, he played a key role in the telecommunications revolution during the region’s deregulation period. His vision led to significant advancements in communications technologies and paved the way for innovations that we still benefit from today.
Growing up in McAllen, Texas, Smith’s roots were firmly planted in the Lone Star State. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish ATSI Communications Inc. in 1994, which later evolved into Digerati Technologies, a company focused on providing international telecom services to Latin American markets. Under his leadership, Digerati transformed the landscape of the telecom industry, making it a reliable go-to for businesses in need of enhanced connectivity.
Rising to New Heights
In a move that showcased his knack for spotting opportunities, Smith founded Globalscape Inc. in 1996. This internet software company later caught the attention of HelpSystems, which acquired it in 2020, further solidifying Smith’s reputation as a savvy businessman. Digerati didn’t just rest on its laurels; during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smith guided the company to modify its business model in response to the accelerated demand for cloud computing and communication services. This adaptability ensured that small to medium-sized businesses could navigate the challenging landscape brought on by the pandemic.
Digerati’s shares could be found trading over the counter under the ticker DTGI, and there had been ambitious plans to uplist to the Nasdaq in 2023. However, those plans were put on hold after a merger deal didn’t pan out as expected. Despite these challenges, the company continued to grow by acquiring several telecommunications firms, thereby expanding its operations significantly across Texas, Florida, and California while serving over 45,000 users.
Reflecting on Achievements
Smith’s colleagues admired his exceptional deal-making skills and leadership. Craig Clement, the chairman of Digerati, fondly looks back at their partnership spanning several decades. Together, they orchestrated major business deals, including taking Globalscape to the prestigious New York Stock Exchange. Clement recalls the excitement of growing ATSI Communications to a workforce of 500 employees under Smith’s visionary guidance.
As the Digerati community comes to terms with the loss, the company’s board is stepping in to take on Smith’s responsibilities while they search for an interim CEO. His departure leaves a significant void, but his legacy of leadership and innovation will undoubtedly carry on.
Remembering a Legacy
Arthur L. Smith is not just remembered for his professional achievements but also for the profound impact he had on the San Antonio economy and the job market. His contributions went beyond business; they enriched the lives of many individuals and families in the area. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary, daughters Celesia and Bella, and stepson Brandon, who will carry forward the values he instilled in them.
Though he may no longer be with us, his vision, leadership, and commitment to progress will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators. The world of telecommunications has lost a great leader, but his impact will echo for many years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Express News: Digerati CEO Passes
- Wikipedia: Arthur L. Smith
- PR Newswire: Digerati CEO Announcement
- Google Search: Arthur L. Smith
- Star Local Media: Digerati News
- Google Scholar: Arthur L. Smith
- Legacy: Arthur Smith Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arthur L. Smith
- Globenewswire: Digerati Updates
- Google News: Arthur L. Smith
