Cisco Adds Another Wireless Company To Its Ranks

Cisco plans to spend $310 million to purchase U.K.-based Ubiquisys, a marketer of intelligent 3G and LTE small-cell technologies that provide operators with connections across mobile heterogeneous networks. According to the buyer, Ubiquisys’ indoor small-cell expertise in 3G and LTE coupled with Cisco’s mobility portfolio and Wi-Fi expertise will offer small-cell solutions for service providers that support the transition to next-gen radio-access networks. The Ubiquisys acquisition also ties in with Cisco’s recent BroadHop and Intucell purchases. The Cisco strategy could result in a one-stop shop for operators looking for Wi-Fi solutions. Ovum’s Daryl Schoolar adds, “Small-cell vendors should take Cisco very serious. Not only is Cisco greatly improving what it can offer mobile operators  in terms of a licensed small cell, Cisco can also offer those mobile operators other tools, like data analytics, SON and evolved packet core needed to build a mobile network. This isn’t something all of Cisco’s competitors can claim.” The deal should close in the fourth quarter of Cisco’s fiscal year.