By Telecom Lead Team: After Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson is strengthening
its presence in the fastest growing Wi-Fi segment. Ericsson will acquire North
American carrier grade Wi-Fi company BelAir Networks.
The
strategic acquisition of BelAir Networks will enable Ericsson to complement its
heterogeneous network (hetnet) offering with carrier grade Wi-Fi. Ericsson’s
hetnet with carrier grade Wi-Fi integrated into the networks will enable
operators to further improve the mobile broadband user experience.
“Ericsson
will lead the way in the growing converged Wi-Fi and cellular market where
improved end-user experience is the driving force. By integrating BelAir
Networks’ market-leading products and competence into Ericsson’s existing radio
portfolio, we will be able to do this more quickly. We welcome 120 highly
skilled people into the company,” said Hans Vestberg, CEO of Ericsson.
Recently, Alcatel-Lucent
announced that it will collaborate with Wi-Fi access point firms to ensure the
reach and acceptability of lightRadio Wi-Fi.
Alcatel-Lucent
to collaborate with Wi-Fi firms to ensure reach of lightRadio Wi-Fi
The
lightRadio Wi-Fi solution is aimed at assisting communications service
providers to extend their reach by integrating Wi-Fi directly into their
service offerings.
Alcatel-Lucent
is extending the lightRadio ecosystem to allow service providers access to
Wi-Fi networks. Alcatel-Lucent is integrating Motorola Solutions’ Wi-Fi
solution and Qualcomm Atheros Wi-Fi technology into its multi-standard
Metrocells to ensure that lightRadio Wi-Fi provides its customers with the best
Wi-Fi solution, at a competitive price.
Ericsson will
offer a leading carrier grade Wi-Fi solution in combination with its global
presence of mobile solutions and service capabilities. Through this
transaction, Ericsson will acquire a carrier grade Wi-Fi portfolio, technological
expertise, IPR, and established customer contracts and relationships.
The acquisition
is significant for Ericsson as Wi-Fi technology is a vital part of mobile
broadband user experience. To address this growing demand, Ericsson launched
its Network Integrated Wi-Fi solution in September 2011.
The BelAir
Networks’ indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi systems enable service providers to build
scalable, high performance Wi-Fi networks. The company develops mobile
networking solutions that are deployed by service providers including AT&T
and Comcast.
“By
focusing on the needs of leading service providers, BelAir Networks has
achieved industry leadership with our unique portfolio of carrier-grade
Wi-Fi”, said Bernard Herscovich, CEO of BelAir Networks.
