Telecom Ramblings

Yesterday, we asked who the likely targets of consolidation will be in 2020.  Today we reverse the question and ask who the likely strategic buyers of network infrastructure are in 2020.  Last year we only got one out of the top ten, and that counts Uniti’s Bluebird transaction as a buy when it was more of a swap.  But to be fair, there weren’t many strategic buyers out there in 2019.  What about 2020?  Who has both the appetite and the financial wherewithal to make some deals this year?   [Read more →]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Sanjay Bhatia, Vice President of Strategy and Solutions Marketing, Ribbon Communications

The transformation from hardware-based equipment to software is a journey that started many years ago, with some of the largest service providers in the world reaping the benefits of network functions virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN). The promise of software designed, defined and delivered real-time data and communications networks is compelling: simplified operations, reduced costs and the ability to spin up new services anywhere in hours or days vs. months or years. The importance of [Read more →]

Happy New Year!  It’s that time of year again to take stock of the M&A landscape in the world of network operators.  Which network operators do you think are most likely to get bought this year?  Last year, we didn’t do so well, as just three of the top ten picks changed hands: Zayo, SummitIG and Bluebird.  Who is likely to be selling this year? (Not including already pending transactions). [Read more →]

Ok, as promised it is predictions time.  What will 2020 bring to the world of internet infrastructure?  Politics may intrude, as it is an election year.  But if you’re looking for a political prediction you’ve come to the wrong place.  There’s no way I’m going to stick my hand near that wood chipper.  Here are a few thoughts, some more specific than others: [Read more →]

So something interesting happened over the Christmas break that I missed initially. Seabras-1 Bermuda Ltd and Seabras 1 USA LLC have filed for bankruptcy, aiming for a quick reorganization. Seaborn Networks itself is fine, as apparently they structured things such that this was the case. However, it certainly can’t have been their preferred path. [Read more →]

It’s almost predictions time again, which means that first we need to take a look at how last year’s predictions turned out.  Well, we don’t *have* to, but in my mind a bite of humble pie is a necessary punishment for doing this sort of thing: [Read more →]

As I do every year, I have been looking back on the M&A in the infrastructure space in search of patterns to make sense of: what assets are hot, where they are, etc.  But this year it’s clear that the theme is more about who, as this year the infrastructure funds and longer-term, infrastructure-focused private equity groups have really taken charge.  Hence, it makes sense to group much of this year’s M&A activity by the financial family to which they belong.  So let’s take a quick survey of 2019’s M&A activity starting from that standpoint: [Read more →]

In what might be the last big deal of the year, Brookfield Infrastructure and Cincinnati Bell have announced a $2.6B deal. Brookfield will be purchasing the Midwestern service provider for a cash price of $10.50 per share that will take the company private. [Read more →]

Just two shopping days left until Christmas, but over in the EMEA region there’s still a few things to catch up on first: [Read more →]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Lucian Calugaru of Claro Enterprise Solutions

The purpose of the call is to propose a major new product initiative. You’ve prepared for weeks. You and your team dial in. Your CEO joins the bridge. Just as you launch into your pitch, the boss interrupts. “You’re breaking up….” [Read more →]

Some connected cars, some interconnection, and some fiber-to-the-mountain: [Read more →]

A few more items worth noting at midweek: [Read more →]

CenturyLink has picked up a significant research and education deal. Internet2 has selected CenturyLink’s new ITU-T G.652.D optical fiber to upgrade its network. CenturyLink recently leveraged all that empty conduit Level 3 and Qwest put in back in the dotcom bubble to pull the latest generation of fiber on key routes nationwide. [Read more →]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Wayne Hickey, Advisor, Product Marketing, Ciena

A blockbuster production of “Ford v Ferrari” starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale recently hit theaters, raking in nearly $185 million thus far and soon contending for Oscars in the new year. More than just popcorn fare or awards fodder, though, it can serve as a lesson for network operators, too. [Read more →]

A few items from across the sector to keep up with: [Read more →]

On Friday, NTT announced plans to begin constructing a new submarine cable system in the Indian Ocean via its Singaporean joint venture Orient Link Pte, Ltd.  The new MIST cable will connect Singapore with both Mumbai and Chennai as well as picking up Myanmar along the way.   [Read more →]

Two key regulatory deadlines are looming for emergency services in the telecommunications space.  Starting on February 16, 2020, enterprises will have to be in compliance with Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’s Act, which aim to improve notifications and include better location information alongside 9-1-1 calls.  Bandwidth is a leader in the 911 space, enabling carriers, VoIP service providers and enterprises to set up their voice networks for emergency services.  With us today to help spread the word about how regulations are changing and what needs to be done is Bandwidth’s VP of Product Strategy, Lydia Runnels. [Read more →]

Windstream Wholesale announced this week an agreement for the largest single capacity sale in the company’s history. They have done a deal with a hyperscaler that totals some 5.7Tbps. [Read more →]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Laurens de Nooyer, Global Industry Director, Communications & Media IoT, Software AG

With the end of mobile’s long growth spurt, communications service providers have been undergoing a very difficult time with revenues dropping and disruptive innovators popping up every day to compete more aggressively with each other. Revenue growth is no longer [Read more →]

Some new fiber, a couple new customers, and of course more cloud connectivity: [Read more →]

With Macquarie now in the ownership chair, Bluebird Network appears to be on the M&A hunt. But before doing anything dramatic, they are first taking care of some business within their own sphere of influence. Bluebird has announced a deal to acquire the Illinois Network Alliance. [Read more →]

FirstLight Fiber is finishing off the year with a bit of inorganic expansion. The Northeastern fiber and data operator has announced the acquisition of ColoSpace for an undisclosed purchase price. [Read more →]

A few interesting items from vendors and global network operators from around the world worth keeping an eye on. [Read more →]