Category Archives: Press

CINCINNATI, Ohio – altafiber announced today that it has closed on its acquisition of Agile Network Builders, LLC (“Agile”), the Canton, Ohio-based company that leases wireless infrastructure assets to third parties and provides connectivity through hybrid fiber wireless data networks in Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Agile, formerly a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, designs, builds, and manages wireless infrastructure assets and data networks. It utilizes data centers, communication towers, fiber, and wireless technology to deliver middle mile, last mile, and campus connectivity for public safety entities, cellular carriers, and rural Internet Service Providers.

altafiber has a long history and progressive experience in providing and managing large and complex wireline and wireless solutions. The company is the leading supplier of fiber-based services in Greater Cincinnati and provides backhaul services to the majority of the cellular macro towers in the region.

The combined experience and expertise of altafiber and Agile will dramatically increase capabilities for territories served and will lead to new opportunities to increase digital equity in the companies’ footprints through hybrid network technologies.

“The need for quality connectivity is greater than ever,” said Leigh Fox, President and CEO of altafiber. “Our partnership with Agile means more individuals, families, companies, and communities will have access to education, healthcare, employment, and economic development opportunities.”

“Agile has a long history of leveraging partnerships and network design expertise to bring value to our customers,” said Kyle Quillen, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Agile.  “With so many synergies, joining the altafiber family will only strengthen our existing relationships and pave the way for an exciting future.”

About altafiber

Cincinnati Bell is now doing business as “altafiber” in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The Company delivers integrated communications solutions to residential and business customers over its fiber-optic network including high-speed internet, video, voice and data. The Company also provides service in Hawai’i under the brand Hawaiian Telcom. In addition, the Company’s enterprise customers across the United States and Canada rely on CBTS and OnX, wholly-owned subsidiaries, for efficient, scalable office communications systems and end-to-end IT solutions. For more information, please visit www.cincinnatibell.com. The information on the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference in this press release.

New Wireless Infrastructure Program to generate revenue, position Commonwealth for 5G and critical future technologies

HARRISBURG, PA (October 29, 2019)—The Pennsylvania Department of General Services and Agile Network Builders, LLC (“Agile”) today announced a partnership to rent excess and underutilized wireless capacity on towers, land, and assets owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The newly established Office of Enterprise Wireless Management and Agile will enhance telecommunications systems, consolidate the management of wireless assets, and generate revenue for the State.

Agile is an operating entity owned by InSite Wireless Group, LLC (“InSite”), an owner, developer, operator, and manager of telecommunication towers and in-building Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) throughout the United States. Agile is experienced in utilizing municipal and state-owned vertical infrastructure and leveraging the latest in wireless fiber and wireless technologies to provide creative connectivity solutions to residential, business, and governmental entities.

“We realize the revenue-generating opportunity the Commonwealth has in renting excess space on communications towers and assets to third-party wireless providers,” Pennsylvania Department of General Services Secretary Curt Topper said. “In addition to creating a revenue stream, we have the opportunity to contribute to more accessible and reliable wireless coverage across the Commonwealth.”

The new Office of Enterprise Wireless Management will ensure Pennsylvania is maximizing critical infrastructure assets and is well positioned for new technologies such as Fifth Generation, or 5G, cellular network technology. Based on studies, the adoption of 5G will likely prompt the installation of over 25,000 small cell devices across the State. This new market segment has a robust projected total value and Commonwealth-owned assets will have the opportunity to attract a sizable portion of this investment based on the strategic partnership with Agile Network Builders.

The process of marketing preexisting space on State-owned towers and telecommunications assets also will streamline the process of locating broadband equipment on assets across Pennsylvania. This market-based initiative will lower barriers to entry for all market participants and may further promote broadband expansion using those towers and telecommunication assets located in remote and rural areas.

“This development by the leadership in Pennsylvania is an important and proactive step in an on-going effort to ensure all residents, in every part of the state, have better access to wireless services,” Agile Network Builders President Kyle Quillen said. “We’re excited to partner with DGS and the Office of Enterprise Wireless Management to utilize our expertise in municipal and government telecommunications, ensuring the right solutions are implemented in markets across the state.”

 

 

“Combining the resources of the Office of Enterprise Wireless Management and Agile will deliver great value and position Pennsylvania for an ultra-modern telecommunications network,” InSite CEO David Weisman said. “This partnership comes at an opportune time as Agile recently joined the InSite family of companies, securing an even greater depth of resources and expertise that allow us to implement robust government programs and building broader, more sustainable wireless access for people across the state.”

The creation of the Office of Enterprise Wireless Management is the result of a 2016 study by the Wolf Administration and a Pennsylvania research-university that reviewed the State’s wireless communications infrastructure and benchmarked the value of excess and underutilized wireless capacity on those assets to serve as a viable new revenue stream for Pennsylvania.

About Agile Networks

Agile Networks is a provider of hybrid fiber wireless broadband data networks, supplying connectivity to empower customers and transform organizations. Agile Networks’ hybrid network – The Agile Network –utilizes vertical infrastructure along with the latest in fiber-optic and wireless technologies to provide data solutions. Engineered to the stringent specifications required to support public safety, The Agile Network boasts carrier grade performance and the security required by public safety agencies. Agile’s Last-Mile Agility makes delivering solutions to rural areas just as feasible as major cities. More information can be found at www.agilenetworks.com.

About InSite Wireless Group, LLC

InSite Wireless Group, LLC develops, owns, operates and manages communications wireless infrastructure facilities primarily for the wireless and broadcast industries. InSite’s tower division develops, manages, owns, and operates more than 2,400 telecommunications towers and sites for wireless carriers, broadcasters and other users across the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and Australia. InSite’s distributed antenna system (DAS) and small cell division specializes in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of shared wireless infrastructure solutions that enhance the quality and capacity of wireless voice and data services in public facilities and complex environments. InSite has developed and currently operates more than 60+ DAS projects across the United States in convention centers, hotels and casinos, office buildings, airports, sports stadiums, and transit systems such as the Boston MBTA Subway, the Atlanta metro (MARTA) and the Los Angeles County Metro. InSite also owns Lease Advisors, one of the leading land-under-cell-tower acquisition companies in the United States. More information on InSite’s business can be found at http://www.insitewireless.com

Investment provides InSite robust portfolio of public-private partnerships and new network infrastructure throughout the Midwest

ALEXANDRIA, VA and CANTON, OH (August 5, 2019)—InSite Wireless Group, LLC (InSite), one of the country’s largest private operators of wireless communications infrastructure, today announces the acquisition of majority interest in Agile Networks, a leading provider of telecommunications solutions based in Canton, Ohio. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, InSite, headquartered in Alexandria, Va., will become the single largest investor in Agile. The acquisition provides InSite with a portfolio of publicprivate partnerships and a significant infrastructure network and assets spanning hundreds of locations throughout the Midwest. Agile will become an operating division of InSite.

“The investment in Agile helps to grow InSite’s footprint of wireless tower infrastructure assets while adding a critical public telecommunications network platform,” said David E. Weisman, CEO of InSite.

“Agile is a natural addition to InSite’s operations and delivers the resources and additional infrastructure to extend services to customers throughout our current and expanding footprint.”

“This is an exciting period of growth for Agile and we could not have found a more fitting partner to continue delivering connectivity solutions and infrastructure to our diverse customers across the Midwest,” Agile Networks CEO Kyle Quillen said.

“Our team has worked extremely hard to build Agile and the infrastructure network to where we are today.”

“Agile has truly been a driving force for innovation in our community and throughout the state,” Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei said.

“We appreciate the investments Agile has made in key projects like the Innovation District in Canton, showing their commitment to their home community, while experiencing significant national growth. We are eager to see this investment continue and grow after the acquisition, as connectivity and infrastructure are critical in a 21st-century economy and innovative infrastructure solutions are instrumental to meeting such needs.”

The transaction closed August 1, 2019. Bank Street Group LLC served as exclusive financial advisor, ICE Miller LLP served as legal counsel and 415 Group served as accountants to Agile Networks in connection with the InSite transaction.

About Agile Networks
Agile Networks is a provider of hybrid fiber wireless broadband data networks, supplying connectivity to empower customers and transform organizations. Agile Networks’ hybrid network – The Agile Network – utilizes vertical infrastructure along with the latest in fiber-optic and wireless technologies to provide data solutions. Engineered to the stringent specifications required to support public safety, The Agile

Network boasts carrier grade performance and the security required by public safety agencies. Agile’s Last-Mile Agility makes delivering solutions to rural areas just as feasible as major cities. More information can be found at www.agilenetworks.com.

About InSite Wireless Group, LLC

InSite Wireless Group, LLC develops, owns, operates and manages communications wireless infrastructure facilities primarily for the wireless and broadcast industries. InSite’s tower division develops, manages, owns, and operates more than 2,000 telecommunications towers and sites for wireless carriers, broadcasters and other users across the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, and Australia. InSite’s distributed antenna system (DAS) and small cell division specializes in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of shared wireless infrastructure solutions that enhance the quality and capacity of wireless voice and data services in public facilities and complex environments. InSite has developed and currently operates more than 60+ DAS projects across the United States in convention centers, hotels and casinos, office buildings, airports, sports stadiums, and transit systems such as the Boston MBTA Subway, the Atlanta metro (MARTA) and the Los Angeles County Metro. InSite also owns Lease Advisors, one of the leading land-under-cell-tower acquisition companies in the United States. More information on InSite’s business can be found at http://www.insitewireless.com

Revolutionary system to improve telecommunications infrastructure and enable innovation, economic development, and growth in US cities starting with Canton

CANTON, OH – Today, Agile Networks, a leading provider of telecommunications solutions, announces a new pilot deployment of a Fixed Wireless Access solution that will help address the bandwidth challenge on Micropolitan areas across the U.S. starting with Canton.  Agile will deploy the first commercial application of RADWIN’s Terragraph technology leveraging their long-term relationship with RADWIN to implement the system.

Terragraph by RADWIN, an advanced 60GHz mesh solution, delivers multi-gig wireless access services to homes and businesses in urban and suburban environments, expanding service providers’ network coverage beyond the fiber footprint. The system will enable rapid and cost-effective access to high-speed connectivity, bringing customers speeds up to 10-100 times faster than their existing connections. Terragraph enables multi-gigabit connectivity at fraction of the cost of buried fiber as it’s suitable for street level deployments on poles or buildings. The unique mesh architecture overcomes the mmWave challenges such as line-of-sight and range and enables network efficient and cost-effective expansion of broadband services.

“Terragraph will open an entirely new realm of possibilities in Canton’s Innovation District, and more broadly over Agile’s multistate geography” Agile Networks CEO Kyle Quillen said.  “By leveraging our partnerships with global leaders in telecommunications and connectivity, we’re able to install the first system that delivers, multi-gig access to the entities within the Innovation District more efficiently and at a significantly lower cost than traditional fiber installation.

“Our team has been working for years with government entities at all levels to maximize the use of broadband as an economic development tool and a driving force to shape the future economic outlook for cities across Ohio. Terragraph is a game changer in this effort.”

Terragraph by RADWIN was developed in collaboration with Facebook, RADWIN and Intel.  The project will serve as a global pilot to showcase how Terragraph can improve the telecommunications infrastructure of midsize cities ushering in more innovation, economic development, and growth.

“Facebook, RADWIN and Agile are bringing a new technology into the world that advances our ability to connect people to information and to each other in a more robust and cost-effective way,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as the Director of the newly-created InnovateOhio. “The fact that this is happening in Canton is a strategic advantage for the city and our state. Through our InnovateOhio efforts, we hope to expand this across Ohio to connect people to high-speed internet who have previously been left behind.”

“Canton is a city of new and ambitious ideas and this revolutionary connectivity program in the downtown Innovation District is prime example. We are proud to partner with Facebook, Radwin and Agile, a great hometown company, to ignite change and advance tech infrastructure here in Canton,” said Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei.

Access to broadband is now deemed an essential service to participate in the global economy. With the technology available today, there is no reason for high-speed connectivity to be restricted to large metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, London and Hong Kong.

Terragraph technology helps address the connectivity shortfall and empowers underserved communities by providing high capacity broadband connectivity to residences and businesses, laying the foundation to build Smart Cities, growing innovation district and positioning cities for future growth through the ability to scale with evolving technology.

“We believe that people, no matter where they live, deserve a consistent, high-bandwidth internet experience. We are excited to work with Agile Communications and RADWIN as they deploy Terragraph technology in order to bring internet connectivity to more people who are unconnected or do not currently have fast or reliable access,” said Dan Rabinovitsj, vice president of Connectivity, Facebook.

Once complete, Canton’s Terragraph system becomes the symbolic kick off point – appropriate as the home of the Football Hall of Fame – for mid-size cities across the globe that will be bypassing costly fiber networks. These cities can leverage existing infrastructure to provide faster connectivity and shift the communications landscape to create pathways for economic development and community growth.

About Agile Networks

Agile Networks is the premier provider of hybrid fiber wireless broadband data networks, supplying connectivity to empower individuals and transform organizations. Agile Networks’ hybrid network – The Agile Network – utilizes vertical infrastructure along with the latest in fiber-optic and wireless technologies to provide world-class data solutions. Engineered to the stringent specifications required to support public safety, The Agile Network boasts carrier grade performance and military-grade security. Agile’s Last-Mile Agility makes delivering solutions to rural areas just as feasible as major cities

About RADWIN
RADWIN is a leading provider of broadband wireless solutions. Deployed in over 170 countries, RADWIN’s solutions power applications including fixed wireless access to homes and businesses, backhaul, private network connectivity, smart cities and broadband for public transportation. RADWIN’s solutions are adopted and deployed by tier-1 service providers and used by Fortune-500 corporations. Visit RADWIN: www.radwin.com

The agreement will leverage underutilized infrastructure in counties across the state, bringing high-speed internet access to 110,000 people in rural areas without broadband

CANTON, OH (AUGUST 8, 2018) – Today, Agile Networks, a leading provider of telecommunications solutions, and Microsoft Corporation announced a new agreement to bring broadband internet access to rural areas in Ohio, reaching 110,000 currently unserved people and greatly expanding access in underserved rural areas. The partnership is part of the Microsoft Airband Initiative, which is focused on closing the broadband gap by extending broadband access to 2 million unserved people in rural America by 2022.

This partnership leverages Agile’s robust network of telecommunications infrastructure throughout the state and cutting-edge technology, including TV white spaces, to provide more people living in rural Ohio with access to broadband internet over the next four years.
“People across the state, no matter where they choose to live, work and send their children to school, should have the same access to strong, reliable broadband service,” said Kyle Quillen, Agile Networks Founder and CEO. “This partnership will have an impact on more than 900,000 people across the state of Ohio, of whom 110,000 completely lack access to broadband. We’re excited to partner with Microsoft as part of this national initiative to ensure everyone has access to the information they need, when they need it.”

“In today’s digital economy, broadband access has become a necessity across industries including healthcare, agriculture, business and education,” said Shelley McKinley, Microsoft’s head of Technology and Corporate Responsibility. “Our partnership with Agile will help deliver broadband internet access to rural communities across Ohio so that they can take advantage of today’s and tomorrow’s opportunities and the latest cloud technologies.”

Across Ohio, there are critical functions in need of reliable, high-speed connectivity, including medical clinics and rural hospitals, schools, oil and gas wells, agriculture operations, and households. By equipping its towers with innovative TV white spaces equipment, Agile’s efforts, in partnership with Microsoft, will enhance public safety interoperability across the state of Ohio, while providing competitive, affordable broadband access options to rural consumers and businesses, as well as turnkey solution sets tailored to fixed and mobile wireless carriers. As a result, this project will serve as a catalyst for economic development and rural broadband deployment in Ohio.

The Microsoft Airband Initiative is focused on bringing broadband coverage to rural Americans through commercial partnerships and investment in digital skills training for people in the newly connected communities. Proceeds from Airband connectivity projects will be reinvested into the program to expand broadband to more rural areas.

About Agile Networks

Agile Networks is the premier provider of hybrid fiber wireless broadband data networks, supplying connectivity to empower individuals and transform organizations. Agile Networks’ hybrid network – The Agile Network – utilizes vertical infrastructure along with the latest in fiber-optic and wireless technologies to provide world-class data solutions. Engineered to the stringent specifications required to support public safety, The Agile Network boasts carrier grade performance and military-grade security. Agile’s Last-Mile Agility makes delivering solutions to rural areas just as feasible as major cities

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

AGILE PRESS CONTACT:
Chris Herbert  614-448-8703  chrish@pendulumstrategygroup.com
Evan Weese  614-282-9822    ezweese@gmail.com

MICROSOFT PRESS CONTACT
Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications for Microsoft, (425) 638-7777, rrt@we-worldwide.com

St. Clairsville, Ohio – Agile Networks (https://agilenetworks.com) has completed Phase 1 of its Broadband Network. This project within Belmont County, Ohio will increase the availability of high speed internet services to the residents and businesses within the community, while expanding upon the significant investments that Agile has made to communications infrastructure throughout Ohio.

Agile connected its first Belmont County residential user, Robert Banyas of Flushing, on March 9, 2018. Mr. Banyas did not have an adequate broadband option at his residence prior to the agreement between Agile and the County. For the Banyas family, Agile’s arrival in the County was very timely, as Robert’s wife Jessica is transitioning to a work-from-home program, as required by her employer, at the end of March. A major component of Jessica’s ability to participate in this program is access to a reliable high speed internet connection. With Agile’s connectivity now in place, not only will she be able to continue her role with her current employer, but she will also be able to spend more time at home and forego the three-hour round-trip commute that she’d become accustomed to over the past five years. “Agile’s service has been great,” said Mr. Banyas, “Not only did it save my wife’s job, but it’s nice to be able to stream and browse without having to worry about overage charges”.

Agile encourages Belmont County residents to visit our webpage where residents can request service as well learn about Agile’s roll-out schedule and internet service offerings.

This project is a result of an October 2017 agreement between Agile Networks and Belmont County that enabled Agile, a premier provider of hybrid fiber wireless broadband data networks, access to county-owned infrastructure. Kyle Quillen, CEO of Agile, states, “It allows county-owned infrastructure to be leveraged and allows broadband and telecommunications services to cost effectively come to the underserved county.”

“We are pleased with Agile’s progress within Belmont County and very elated that the first customer is signed up it. For the past year or so, the Commissioners have been determined to work with the private sector providers to secure faster and cheaper internet throughout the county. We are pleased with Agile’s cooperation and efficiency and look forward to it connecting with more residential and commercial subscribers.” said Commissioner Mark Thomas.

“It’s exciting to see the progress that Agile has made in the county and that it is starting to have the positive impact in people’s lives that we were hoping to see.” added Commissioner Josh Meyer

“With continued discussion across the country in regards to increasing broadband access, particularly in Appalachia, this recent announcement from Agile Networks is proof of positive steps being made locally. Belmont County is a proud partner knowing the impact that increased access can mean to our residents. These types of improvements will lead to more opportunities, especially for our students who are competing with youth nationally and globally. As a local government, we continue to search for ways to enhance development,” says Commission President J. P. Dutton

For additional questions or more information, contact Belmont@agilenetworks.com.

About Agile Networks

Agile Networks is the premier provider of hybrid fiber wireless broadband data networks, supplying connectivity to empower individuals and transform organizations. Agile Networks’ hybrid network – The Agile Network – utilizes vertical infrastructure along with the latest in fiber-optic and wireless technologies to provide world-class data solutions. Engineered to the stringent specifications required to support public safety, The Agile Network boasts carrier grade performance and military-grade security. Agile’s Last-Mile Agility makes delivering solutions to rural areas just as feasible as major cities

St. Clairsville, Ohio – Agile Networks (www.agilenetworks.com) has reached an agreement with Belmont County, Ohio, that will enable the company, a premier provider of hybrid fiber wireless broadband data networks, access to county-owned infrastructure. This project within Belmont County will increase the availability of high speed internet services to the residents and businesses within the community, while expanding upon the significant investments that Agile has made to communications infrastructure throughout Ohio.

“Agile has proposed a compelling public-private partnership model to help address the broadband gap to our Belmont County residents,” said Josh Meyer, county commissioner – Belmont County. “The implementation will be vital for the economic development in our community.”

With the agreement that Agile will extend its network to Belmont County assets, the company anticipates other telecommunications carriers will follow suit by similarly investing in this open-access model. Kyle Quillen, CEO of Agile, states, “It allows county-owned infrastructure to be leveraged and allows broadband and telecommunications services to cost effectively come to the underserved county.”

“I am pleased that we are about to partner with Agile. Our goal is to be proactive with private sector utilities in an effort to provide all of our residents/businesses with affordable and good internet service. I too thank the Belmont County Port Authority for its efforts in furthering this economic development tool,” said Commissioner Mark Thomas.

Agile will develop its design and construction plans over the next 60 days and will publicize its formal roll-out schedule by year-end, including initial coverage maps depicting areas where services will be available. Expansion beyond these initial coverage maps is anticipated through further access to privately owned vertical assets, like grain silos, water towers, communication towers, etc. Agile encourages the community to assist in identifying additional privately owned vertical assets that can be used to extend the coverage area to as many county residents as possible.

“Increasing broadband access is a real issue that rural counties across the nation continue to face, particularly in Appalachia. As technology advances, so does the need for greater access. In Belmont County, we have been looking at all potential avenues to better future development. This partnership with Agile Networks is a prime example of those efforts,” says Commissioner J.P. Dutton

For additional questions or more information, contact Belmont@agilenetworks.com.

About Agile Networks

Agile Networks is the premier provider of hybrid fiber wireless broadband data networks, supplying connectivity to empower individuals and transform organizations. Agile Networks’ hybrid network – The Agile Network – utilizes vertical infrastructure along with the latest in fiber-optic and wireless technologies to provide world-class data solutions. Engineered to the stringent specifications required to support public safety, The Agile Network boasts carrier grade performance and military-grade security. Agile’s Last-Mile Agility makes delivering solutions to rural areas just as feasible as major cities.

http://www.agilenetworks.com