Posted: 10th Oct, 2003 By: MarkJ
The website of troubled UK broadband wireless ISP Invisible Networks has confirmed that Microcomm Systems (pioneers of
Mesh Broadband wireless technology) will acquire the business and assets of the service:
Mesh Broadband purchases Invisible Networks
Microcomm Systems, the pioneers of Mesh Broadband announced today that it has purchased the business and assets of Invisible Networks (www.invisible.uk.net), allowing the community broadband networks developed by the Cambridgshire based company to continue. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Microcomm systems is in the middle of the final build of five of their base stations across the eastern region after successful trials.
TJ Amushan, director of Microcomm Systems, said "I am delighted that we have been able to secure the community networks and to keep them running. Acquisition of these networks and customer base provides one of the key locations in our strategy for the East of England."
The acquired community networks, based mainly around Cambridge, provide wireless broadband to rural communities which are not able to get ADSL or cable broadband services. Using leased lines to connect into the communities and WiFi Wireless technology to connect to end users, the service has been running for more than a year and is the largest commercially operated WiFi network in the UK.
Microcomm Systems plan to upgrade and improve the current network, and to integrate it with their existing operations based in Southend, Essex. A second base in Cambridgeshire will be developed as part of the initiative.
The company is currently working on a handover plan, and expects to announce details plans for the smooth transfer of customers shortly.
"Rural commmunities have no alternative options, and once they have tried broadband don't want to go back to dialup." said Richard Nuttall, CEO of Invisible Networks. "I am very happy that those customers who signed up to our innovative service will be assured of continuing connectivity (QoS)."