FirstLight Fiber to acquire G4 Communications

Sept. 2, 2014
FirstLight Fiber, a facilities-based service provider operating fiber-optic networks in Upstate New York and Northern New England with connectivity to Canada, reports that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of New Hampshire-based G4 Communications, including G4's customer base and data center located in Manchester, NH.

FirstLight Fiber, a facilities-based service provider operating fiber-optic networks in Upstate New York and Northern New England with connectivity to Canada (see "FirstLight Fiber teams up with Fibrenoire to connect U.S. and Canada"), reports that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of New Hampshire-based G4 Communications, including G4's customer base and data center located in Manchester, NH.

"Acquiring G4's impressive customer base and state-of-the-art data center is exciting news for FirstLight," said Kurt Van Wagenen, president and chief executive officer of FirstLight. "These assets are a natural complement to our existing capabilities, expand on our already strong presence in New Hampshire and further our commitment to invest in the regions we serve, benefitting our customers and the local community."

FirstLight Fiber has been building and operating its own fiber-optic network for 15 years, and today its fiber network spans 190,000 fiber miles throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York and includes four data center facilities (see "FirstLight Fiber taps Ciena for 100G upgrade"). FirstLight's clientele includes national wireline and wireless telecommunications service providers, and large enterprises, including healthcare organizations, colleges and universities, high-tech manufacturing, financial institutions, K-12 schools, and public safety as well as state and local government.

Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Manchester, G4 Communications is one of New Hampshire's oldest and largest privately held internet service providers, offering broadband data and Internet, telephony, and other telecommunications services. G4's customer base includes state and local government, K-12 schools, healthcare organizations, and other enterprise organizations. FirstLight's resources and facilities in Nashua, NH (home of Lightwave) will serve to enhance support and services offered to G4's customers.

"G4's mission is to bring IP-based broadband data and Internet services as well as telephony services to businesses throughout New England," said Gent Cav, founder and president of G4 Communications. "As part of FirstLight, we will be better equipped to fulfill that mission. This transaction provides us the resources necessary to enable continued growth and innovation. The G4 staff looks forward to joining FirstLight and continuing to provide the same locally-based, high quality service and support that our customers have come to expect."

The transaction is expected to close following customary regulatory approval.

For more information on high-speed transmission systems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.