Lightower Fiber Networks to Acquire Open Access Inc.

Lightower Fiber Networks, a leading metro fiber network and bandwidth service provider based in Boxborough, MA., announced today that it is acquiring Open Access Inc., a provider of diverse, cost-effective, customized end-to-end communications solutions, based in Farmingdale, NY.

With the acquisition of Open Access, Lightower expands its existing network and customer base throughout Long Island and the greater New York City region. Open Access owns and operates a network across Long Island and the surrounding areas providing access to over 230 commercial buildings and data centers.

“Demand for fiber-based networking solutions continues to grow throughout our footprint, including the Long Island region. The acquisition of Open Access will increase Lightower’s position in this important, growing market,” explained Lightower CEO, Rob Shanahan. “Open Access has developed a great local presence and now Long Island customers can benefit from Lightower’s extended network reach.”

More Fiber, More Routes, More Local Access

The merger of the two networks supports Lightower’s mission of owning and operating a dense, next-generation fiber network that provides a complete portfolio of high-bandwidth services utilizing end-to-end fiber connectivity. The combined network increases Lightower’s last-mile fiber access into commercial buildings across Long Island.

Lightower’s current network is comprised of over 5,500 fiber route miles and access to over 2,100 commercial buildings, data centers, telco hotels, and other critical interconnection facilities. Lightower’s footprint extends throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, including Long Island and New York City. In addition, Lightower offers nationwide long haul services to Chicago, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento.

All Open Access customers will benefit by gaining access to the complete suite of Lightower services and all Lightower service locations. Lightower’s networking services include Ethernet, dark fiber, DWM wavelengths, SONET, Internet access, and collocation. Lightower customers will gain access to Open Access’s on-net commercial buildings as well as connectivity into additional interconnectivity facilities including the Open Access collocation facility in Farmingdale.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Q1 2011.

Lightower Fiber Networks is backed by M/C Venture Partners, Pamlico Capital, and Ridgemont Equity Partners. Open Access Inc. is privately held.

Chris Knight
Lightower Fiber Networks
(978) 264-6000
cknight@lightower.com
www.lightower.com