Cable giant Comcast has acquired Latham, New York-based WiFi networking company Deep Blue Communications. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 2001, Deep Blue engineers, installs, and manages commercial WiFi networks for retail and large entertainment venues, as well as hospitality brands like Hilton Hotels.
The deal will bolster Comcast’s fast-growing business services unit, allowing it to combine its reliability and portfolio of networks with an intelligent, efficient managed WiFi for businesses, the Philadelphia-based company stated.
Bill Stemper, president of Comcast Business, commented on the deal:
“Customers will benefit from our expertise in advanced business and network solutions with Deep Blue Communications’ know-how in providing commercial, managed WiFi at scale. We look forward to delivering innovative solutions that will drive competitive advantage and growth in key vertical industries such as hospitality and entertainment.”
Brian Epstein, CEO, Deep Blue Communications added:
“At Deep Blue Communications, we are passionate about WiFi. This passion has fueled our 15-year growth into a leading provider of award-winning WiFi solutions that are reshaping the landscape of today’s hospitality and entertainment industries. We’re thrilled to join Comcast and work with the Comcast Business team. Together, we will connect people, network and advanced applications to deliver ever-evolving network, guest and customer experiences.”
The Coming WiFi Shift
This acquisition is particularly timely as the WiFi market begins to transition to WiFi 6, a higher-speed, higher-performance option. WiFi 6 will support 9.6 Gbps connection — up from 3.5 Gbps for the established WiFi 5 standard.
But the more important chatter likely involves WiFi 6’s ability to effectively maintain quality connections as more devices come onto a network.
