Cisco Strengthens Mobile Strategy With Ubiquisys Acquisition

Cisco (CSCO) announced its intent to acquire UK-based Ubiquisys, a leading provider of intelligent 3G and long-term evolution (LTE) small-cell technologies that provide seamless connectivity across mobile networks for service providers. The $310 million acquisition strengthens its mobile strategy and business in femtocells and small cells.

Enabling mobile users to have a faster, more consistent voice and data experience, the Ubiquisys solution delivers a signal over a shorter range. Its indoor small-cell expertise and focus on intelligent software for licensed 3G and LTE spectrum, coupled with Cisco's mobility portfolio and Wi-Fi expertise, will enable a comprehensive small-cell solution for service providers that supports the transition to next-generation radio access networks.

"Cisco is ‘doubling down' on its small cell business to accelerate strong momentum and growth in the mobility market," said Kelly Ahuja, senior vice president and general manager, Cisco Mobility Business Group. "By acquiring Ubiquisys, we are expanding on our current mobility leadership and our end-to-end product portfolio, which includes integrated, licensed and unlicensed small cell solutions that are tightly coupled with SON, backhaul, and the mobile packet core. For service providers, Ubiquisys supports cost effective coverage and capacity that delivers a differentiated customer experience."

Ubiquisys CTO and co-founder Will Franks spoke at the recent Mobile World Congress event about multimode LTE/WiFi/3G indoor metrocells and innovative partner applications for the Ubiquisys smart cell. Ubiquisys has partnered with Intel to develop EdgeCloud technology - an edge computing platform for smart cell applications. Intel CTO Justin Rattner discussed research about its Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) at the Intel Developer Forum last fall.

Ubiquisys employees will join the Cisco Mobility Business Group, reporting to Partho Mishra, vice president and general manager, Service Provider Small Cell Technology Group. Keeping a slightly faster pace for acquisitions compared to last year, this is Cisco's fourth acquisition in 2013, and one of the largest European technology deals.