NextWeb said today that it will buy 1st Universe to strengthen its network,
a system built on many of the specifications included in the emerging WiMAX
Financial terms were not disclosed, but NextWeb claims the deal is the
largest cash acquisition in the fixed-broadband space.
“1st Universe has been a strong competitor in the Southern California
fixed-wireless broadband market,” said Graham Barnes, NextWeb founder and CEO,
in a statement. “We are pleased to extend NextWeb’s pre-WiMAX
carrier-class Internet service to all 1st Universe customers.”
Founded in 1999, 1st Universe, of Huntington Beach, Calif., was an early
entrant in the fixed-wireless space. It was started with money from its
founders and the company never had to seek venture capital financing.
1st Universe operates its primary data center in Irvine, Calif., and has
hundreds of business customers ranging from enterprises to small offices.
Fremont, Calif.-based NextWeb provides service to more than 2,500 businesses
in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. The company
recently raised $3.5 million in new financing to fund expansion.
NextWeb spokesman Eric Warren said some of 1st Universe’s employees will
join the company. 1st Universe’s management team will not.
Fixed-wireless broadband providers offer an alternative to business DSL or
T-1 service from regional telecoms such as SBC and Verizon
for business customers. They stress cost, customer service
and reliability in pitching new customers.
Fixed-wireless companies appear to be gaining some traction. For example,
TowerStream has been steadily expanding into new markets over the last year
and recently partnered with Voice over Internet Protocol
