PowerNet Global Acquires Aleron

PowerNet Global Communications (PNG Telecommunications) says the addition of a tier-one MPLS nationwide backbone will enable PNG to offer new services as well as improve current offerings.

by Roy Mark of www.internetnews.com [May 20, 2002]

PowerNet Global Communications (PNG Telecommunications) has agreed to purchase substantially all assets of Aleron, a tier-one backbone IP network and nationwide dialup Internet access provider. The assets will be used to significantly extend and enhance PowerNet Global's high-speed Internet access, data, and integrated services offerings. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The Reston, Va.-based PowerNet will operate the purchased assets as a separate business unit called Aleron Broadband Services, LLC. Aleron Broadband will continue to operate from its current location in Herndon, Va., and PowerNet Global does not anticipate any reductions in force as part of the acquisition.

"This acquisition will bring PowerNet Global's Internet offerings to a new level," said PNG Telecommunications President Bernie Stevens. "The addition of a tier-one backbone network built on advanced MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) technologies, as well as a nationwide dialup modem access infrastructure, will enable PowerNet Global to offer our customers innovative new services, enhanced infrastructure, and faster and more robust connectivity to the Internet."

PowerNet's new broadband unit will provide PowerNet customers with high-speed Internet access services, value-added IP network services for advanced applications, and wholesale dial access services for Internet service providers, enterprises and affinity groups.

PowerNet Global also plans on expanding the Aleron Broadband backbone network to additional tier-2 and tier-3 cities across the U.S., as well as introducing new Voice over IP (VoIP) services. These services will also be integrated with PowerNet's existing voice, Internet and data solutions for business and residential customers.

"The tier-one network built by Aleron is the most advanced IP backbone in commercial operation today," said Stevens. "With it, we will be able to offer our customers entirely new and smarter ways to utilize and manage their integrated communication services. As we expand that backbone and integrate it with our nationwide dial access infrastructure, PowerNet Global's customers can look forward to a great leap forward in innovative, high-quality services."

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