PARIS-Alcatel Corp. said it bought a minority stake in broadband solutions developer 2Wire Inc., a move that puts the company into the coveted home-gateway arena.
“2Wire has extended the carrier’s network directly into the subscriber’s home with our home network solutions,” said Brian Hinman, president and chief executive of 2Wire. “The combination of Alcatel’s existing triple-play solution and 2Wire’s residential home gateway and management systems will arm operators with a fully managed, end-to-end network solution that extends into the home, providing operators and consumers with the benefits of a truly integrated triple-play experience.”
Alcatel said it has signed an agreement to acquire 25 percent of 2Wire and explained that it will be represented on 2Wire’s board of directors.
“Customers demand that the management and operation of their home network be simple and easy,” said Michel Rahier, president of Alcatel’s fixed communications activities. “By partnering with a recognized leader such as 2Wire, Alcatel will provide operators with enhanced means to quickly deploy these new services and successfully address this fast growing market opportunity.”
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.