On-Communications acquires IP-NET from Networks by Wireless
Monday, January 7th, 2008Now the clear UK market leader in Fixed Wireless Internet Access for business.
Leading Fixed Wireless internet Access (FWA) provider for businesses, On-Communications, has acquired IP-NET; the Sheffield based Fixed Wireless Access business from Networks by Wireless. It will also enter into a strategic outsourcing deal with Networks by Wireless, which will see the latter build and maintain the FWA networks . Networks by Wireless will also continue as a reseller of On-Communications FWA solutions with a focus on the Public Sector.
The acquisition is On-Communications second such deal in less than four weeks, having purchased the network infrastructure of Redkite, which added coverage in London and Oxford.
Ian Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, On-Communications said:
“We continue to make significant progress towards our plan. The acquisition of IP-NET is another important milestone in our plan to consolidate the industry. While there has been a great deal of noise about FWA, we have actually been doing it, rolling out solid networks, building partnerships and winning customers. We are now the clear market leader in deployed FWA network coverage for businesses in the UK. We have our own network operational in four major conurbations, with further deployments imminent. It is a great platform from which to build.”
“As importantly, we have further strengthened our strategic relationship with Networks by Wireless, which we believe is by far and away the best fixed wireless networking company in the UK. It has the proven skills and resources to allow us to quickly build and support a carrier class network. As a significant added bonus Networks by Wireless will also continue as a key sales partner for the Public Sector and Government with whom they have very strong existing client relationships.”
Neil Metcalfe, Managing Director, Networks by Wireless added:
”We believe that On-Communications has the right model and partners to build a world class Fixed Wireless Access network in the UK. As an organisation we are focused on delivering and supporting large fixed wireless network engineering projects, and we are looking forward to fulfilling our part in this challenging roll out. It is also a very good fit with our core market segments in Government and the Public Sector from whom we have seen significantly increased demand for wireless services of all kinds. This is borne out by the fact that Network by Wireless have recently been awarded the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) framework under Catalist Telecom, for the provision of Wireless Data Infrastructure for any publicly funded organisation. The On-Communications network will also provide excellent additional wireless solutions to our Public Sector and Government portfolio offerings.”