Cisco to acquire mobile-networking company Ubiquisys for about US$310m

3 Apr 2013

Networking equipment maker Cisco is to acquire Ubiquisys, a provider of intelligent 3G and long-term evolution (LTE) small-cell technologies, for about US$310m.

The deal should enable Cisco to deliver more intelligent mobile internet networks as mobile service providers worldwide increase voice and data capacity to accommodate the use of internet-enabled devices.

Offloading traffic to small cell networks is a cost-effective way to increase capacity and make better use of spectrum assets, Cisco said.

“Cisco is ‘doubling down’ on its small cell business to accelerate strong momentum and growth in the mobility market,” said Kelly Ahuja, senior vice-president and general manager, Cisco Mobility Business Group.

“By acquiring Ubiquisys, we are expanding on our current mobility leadership and our end-to-end product portfolio, which includes integrated, licensed and unlicensed small cell solutions that are tightly coupled with SON, backhaul, and the mobile packet core,” Ahuja added.

Under the deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter, Ubiquisys employees will be integrated into the Cisco Service Provider Mobility Group.

Ubiquisys is a privately held company with headquarters in Swindon, UK.

Tina Costanza was a journalist and sub-editor at Silicon Republic

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