TelePacific pushes into fixed wireless with NextWeb acquisition

TelePacific Communications has received the green light from regulators to finalize its acquisition of NextWeb Inc., also known as Covad Wireless. The deal will give the competitive local exchange carrier a new foothold in wireless with NextWeb’s broadband fixed wireless carrier operations in California, Nevada and Chicago.
TelePacific picks up NextWeb’s WiMAX network, a licensed microwave backhaul network and a wireless network operating in licensed local multipoint distribution service spectrum. The deal also includes about 3,500 broadband fixed wireless business customers in California, Nevada and suburban Chicago.
“We are pleased to welcome Covad Wireless customers to the TelePacific family and look forward to introducing them to TelePacific’s signature customer service,” said Dick Jalkut, President and CEO of TelePacific. “The additional resources we gained through this acquisition—the fixed wireless network and experienced wireless team, have enhanced our ability to serve our customers. Each new acquisition has made us stronger and TelePacific is well-positioned to expand its market share.”
TelePacific offered to keep all of Covad Wireless’ existing employees on board. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.