Bluebird Network to buy Illinois Network Alliance
Bluebird Network LLC says it has reached an agreement to acquire Illinois Network Alliance (INA), an operation that pools the network resources of 10 service providers in the state. Bluebird Network was founded in part to manage the INA and says the new relationship will enable it to expand its capabilities and offerings between INA and other Bluebird infrastructures. Financial terms of the deal, expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2020, were not disclosed. Consummation is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary terms and conditions.
The addition of the INA network will expand Bluebird’s fiber footprint to more than 9300 fiber route miles and 151 points of presence (PoPs) the Midwest. Bluebird’s coverage area will include Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield (MO and IL), Tulsa, Peoria, Rockford, Bloomington, Normal, and the Quad Cities. The service provider also operates an underground data center in Springfield, MO. The company expects to expand the current INA network as well as footprint elsewhere.
“Bluebird is thrilled for the opportunity to support INA in this new role,” said Michael Morey, President and CEO of Bluebird Network. “This acquisition will further our legacy as one of the leading fiber providers in the Midwest and grow our efficiencies and offerings to our customers.”
INA member companies include:
- Adams Telephone
- Alhambra-Grantfork Telephone Co.
- Egyptian Telephone Cooperative Association
- Hamilton County Communications
- Home Telephone Co. (HomeTel)
- Madison
- MTC Communications
- Shawnee Communications
- Wabash Telephone Cooperative
- Western Illinois Network Services (WINS).
Bluebird Network was itself acquired by acquisition by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners this past September (see “Bluebird Network closes sale to Macquarie Infrastructure Partners, expands fiber network”).
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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