The Physical and Digital Security Experts: A3 Communications

We work hard behind the scenes so technology issues don’t slow you down.

It started with his passion for electronics. In 1990, Joseph Thomas, a graduate of the University of South Carolina's Master electrical engineering program turned his knowledge, experience, and love for technology into A3 Communications. Joe continued to build A3 into the substantial business operation that it is today, with sales exceeding $50 million. 

Only years after opening, A3 Communications services expanded from software development to data networking and security. Shortly after, the company realized that the voice and data worlds were set to merge, so it became early adopters of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). In 2001, A3's fiber and cabling division was formed to provide total infrastructure solutions. In 2008, the company launched the physical security division (surveillance and access control) and quickly became market leaders, serving primarily the K-12 market throughout the Southeast. In 2014, following the acquisition of the Charlotte, NC, branch of a west-coast based electrical contractor, A3 further expanded into electrical services. Today, A3 is considered an all-inclusive communications, electrical and Information Technology (IT) service provider able to accomplish every aspect of technology infrastructure. 

Since 1990, A3 has provided its clients with competitively priced IT and communications solutions including:

• Enterprise Networking
• Physical Security
• Unified Communications
• Voice, Data &Fiber Cabling
• Audio/Visual
• Hosted & Managed Services
• Electrical Services

Since the beginning, it has been its goal to increase the profitability and productivity of its clients through the application of smart technology. From its headquarters in Columbia and additional offices in Greenville and Charleston, South Carolina, as well as Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, the company has served over 2,500 clients across the Southeast. A3's comprehensive service and innovative solutions have been internationally recognized. 

Still involved with the company today as a chairman, Joe named his son, Brian Thomas, as A3's President and Chief Executive Officer in 2012. His role with the team began as Vice President of Sales starting in 2006, and Brian continues to grow the company in his new position, always making sure to keep the company vision in mind. Under Brian's leadership, A3 was recognized in April of 2018 as one of America’s fastest-growing systems integrators for the sixth consecutive year.

A3 Communications has built a reputation on quality service and products for over 28 years and continues to be a leading systems integrator for the Southeast. It is committed to using "best of breed" technology as the criteria for the products it offers, and provide a single-source solution for the region's technology needs.

The firm helps organizations like yours increase productivity and get more out of the technology you invest in. It specializes in solutions that safeguard and protect your data, staff, and assets, as well as help, keep operations running smoothly.

Solutions offered

We serve as the single source responsible for your technology needs. We pride ourselves on being your one source, one solution for all of your technology needs.

A3 Communications has built its reputation on quality service and products for over 28 years. It has grown immensely through expert knowledge of the technologies upon which its customers rely, guaranteeing them long-term security for profitability and growth.

The company’s project management teams incorporate tools such as Microsoft Project and SharePoint to ensure the implementation of successful deployments - on time, on budget, as specified.  Certified, national A3 Communications specialists will support your existing business systems 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When the need arises, emergency service is handled on a top priority basis. However, the company goes one step further: within 2 business days, one of its customer service representatives will perform a follow-up call to ensure you have been provided with the very best service.

By using quality, reliability and latest technology as the selection criteria of the products the firm carries, A3 Communications is able to offer superior support and service to its customers.

Founder’s Desk

F. Joseph Thomas, Founder:

With a passion for electronics and a Master’s degree in electrical engineering, Joe Thomas provides the strategic direction that has led A3 Communications to become one of America’s top system integrators.

Following his tenure at prestigious companies including Lockheed Martin and Bechtel, Joe followed his desire to innovate by opening his own software development firm in 1990. Experiencing an impressive degree of success within a short time, A3 expanded services to include data networking and security. Soon after, Joe, an engineer with a keen eye towards future trends, anticipated the Internet-based assimilation of technologies and became an early adopter of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). With the additions of the fiber/cabling and physical security divisions in the 2000s and electrical services in 2014, Joe has developed the company into what it is today – an all-inclusive communications, electrical and information technology service provider.

“As an internationally recognized technology firm and as one of American’s fastest-growing systems integrator, A3 Communications believes the quality our company is conveyed through the quality of our products, service, and leadership.”