With an increasing amount of innovations and services of being offered by telecommunications companies in different business markets, many companies are discovering that acquiring another company will allow them to expand their footprint, as well as increase the products and services they offer to consumers. For example, one of the biggest trends of 2017 has been 5G connectivity. Through a merger or acquisition, a particular company will be able to combine existing infrastructure or build new infrastructure in a more convenient way to implement 5G networks to their consumers. Mergers and acquisitions are regulated by the FCC, but here are some of the biggest telecommunications acquisitions of 2017.
Windstream Acquires Broadview Networks
In July 2017, Windstream completed its acquisition of Broadview Networks for approximately $227.5 million. Broadview Networks, who’s cloud-based communications system, OfficeSuite, will pair perfectly with Windstream’s SD-WAN offering. The acquisition will widen Windstream’s reach to small-medium sized businesses.
Century Link Acquires Level 3 Communications
In October 2017, CenturyLink completed its acquisition of Level 3 Communications for approximately $34 billion. This merger globally expands the CenturyLink and Level 3 network reach to homes and businesses around the world. According to CenturyLink, they currently have “approximately 450,000 miles of global fiber routes; 100,000 on-net fiber lit buildings; and serves more than 60 countries.” The “new” CenturyLink offers fiber and broadband internet connectivity, hybrid IT and cloud solutions, IT services, home and business security, and VoIP phone services. CenturyLink’s acquisition of Level 3 Communications makes CenturyLink the third largest telecommunications company in the United States in terms of lines served.
Verizon Acquires XO Communications
In February 2017, Verizon completed its acquisition of XO Communications for approximately $1.8 billion. XO Communications, which focuses primarily on fiber networks, will help bolster Verizon’s plans for 5G connectively. According to Fierce Telecom, Verizon acquired 1.2 million miles of fiber and over 4,000 fiber-lit buildings across 40 major metro markets in the U.S.
Pending Acquisition: AT&T to Acquire Time Warner
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the proposed $86 billion AT&T acquisition of Time Warner for $85.4 billion dollars, which is currently ongoing. If this acquisition is successful, it would give AT&T control over some of the world’s most valuable media brands, shifting AT&T from a telecommunications giant to a “media titan.” Currently, AT&T has requested a deadline extension.
GeoTel is the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure data, including fiber route data, a key to implementing the fiber necessary for smart city technology. For over sixteen years, GeoTel’s products have been providing companies and government entities with the leverage and insight necessary to make intelligent, location-based business decisions. For more information or a demo, please contact our experts at (407) 788-8888.
