JACKSON, Miss.-AIR2LAN and US Wireless Online, two of the largest U.S. wireless broadband Internet service providers, announced they will merge to operate as AIR2LAN Online Inc.
Together, the companies operate in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. One new company will service 1,400 corporate accounts, two large convention centers and a network of Wi-Fi hotspots in hotels and coffee shops that account for more than 40,000 total users.
Jai Bhagat, chairman and chief executive officer of AIR2LAN, will serve as chairman of the merged company and Doug Keeney, CEO of US Wireless Online, will serve as CEO. Bill Hays, senior vice president of technology for AIR2LAN, will remain in his position for the merged company and Dan Burke, senior vice president of US Wireless Online, will serve as president and COO of the new company.
“Today’s announcement signals the beginning of a strategy for AIR2LAN Online to become the dominant wireless broadband services provider in the U.S.,” touted Bhagat.
The merger is expected to be complete by Jan. 31, 2003, pending shareholder approval.
