DZS to acquire NetComm
May 7, 2024
DZS, a provider of broadband networking and software-defined cloud solutions, has announced plans to acquire NetComm Wireless.
DZS says the acquisition of NetComm’s Fiber Extension, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Home Broadband and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) products and patents combined with its broadband networking and cloud software solutions will create one of the world’s most comprehensive and technologically advanced last mile broadband access portfolios.
NetComm has approximately 50 active communications service provider (CSP) and enterprise customers in the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. In addition to the substantial technology synergies, DZS will on-board a majority of the NetComm employees, of which, approximately 60 per cent are research & development and customer care team members.
The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2024.
Among active NetComm customers are numerous large scale CSPs such as UScellular (the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States), Bell Canada (Canada’s largest telecom company), Telstra (Australia’s largest telecom company), More Telecom (fast-growing Australian ISP) and Vodafone (one of the world’s largest telecom operators), all of which have been previously disclosed.
“The acquisition of NetComm underscores our commitment to innovation in last mile access and further aligns with our vision and strategy of becoming the premier technology leader in broadband networking and cloud software management solutions,” said Charlie Vogt, President and CEO, DZS. “While we are technology evangelists for broadband everywhere and fiber-first architectures, fixed and mobile service providers will continue to evolve their networks and leverage a variety of technologies that best fit the geography, topology and economics of the markets they serve. With the addition of NetComm’s fiber extension, fixed wireless, WiFi 7 home broadband and industrial IOT products, the expanded DZS portfolio arguably will represent one of the most complete and technologically advanced open and standards-based broadband networking and cloud management software portfolios in the world and be uniquely aligned with the breadth of CSP needs and architectures. We are especially enthusiastic about the new team members that will be joining DZS upon completion of the transaction and the opportunity to align and earn future business with NetComm’s long-standing and loyal customers.”
“NetComm’s cutting-edge fixed and mobile subscriber access technologies and marquee customers spanning Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe will bolster DZS’ broadband networking and cloud software portfolio,” said Steve Collins, CEO, NetComm. “Getting to know Charlie, his team and the DZS products and customers has assured us that the combination of technology, culture, customers, suppliers and employees is an ideal fit to continue the innovation and product excellence NetComm has cultivated over the last 40 years.”
“We are pleased to continue our relationship with NetComm to ensure our home and business internet customers have fast and reliable connectivity with an easy-to-install solution,” said Eric Jagher, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, UScellular. “We are also excited about the expertise DZS brings, and we look forward to working with them to drive further innovation and provide an even greater experience for our customers.”
“DZS has a strong commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality solutions,” said Crystal Dowds, Vice President of Architecture, Engineering and Technology, Lumen. “Their proactive approach to meeting customer needs and timelines is enhanced by their focus on the last mile and continually improving the customer experience. DZS’ dedication to innovation makes them an ideal company to acquire NetComm.”
“More Telecom has a valued and longstanding relationship with NetComm. We are excited to see this combination occur,” added Andy Branson, CEO, More Telecom. “The NetComm acquisition by DZS will strengthen our partnership, enhance technology synergies, and create additional opportunities for collaboration, especially as More Telecom continues to deliver on our commitment to offer broadband services across Australia.”
Financial terms were not disclosed.