Zayo on Thursday completed the integration of AboveNet's network, which it acquired this July, into its own fold.
By acquiring AboveNet, Zayo in one move nearly doubled its domestic network reach with connectivity into buildings and other carriers over 65,000 route miles in 45 U.S. states and seven countries.
On a domestic basis, customers will get access to Zayo's national and metro networks across points-of-presence in over 200 markets, spanning 18 of the 20 largest markets in the U.S. as well as smaller markets such as Spokane, Boise and Albuquerque. This complements other network build-outs it had made in recent months in Denver, Las Vegas and Washington D.C.
Another feature of the combined networks is its international reach, something that's important for larger multi-site enterprise customers. Traditionally a U.S.-centric player, Zayo also became an immediate international player with access into three key international regions: Europe (London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt), Canada (Toronto) and Japan (Tokyo).
In integrating their fiber networks, the two service providers combined their once separate DWDM (i.e., wavelengths), Ethernet and IP network systems.
This newly combined wavelength network will serve two main purposes: To provide connectivity between their markets and to offer a foundation for its Ethernet and IP service sets. Likewise, the Ethernet and IP networks will enable customers to get access to Zayo's IP network that will reach both "across and into" metro markets where both Zayo and AboveNet had built out their network and services.
One of the other elements of the Zayo/AboveNet acquisition is that Zayo will now offer a greater balance of wholesale and retail services.
During the integration process, Zayo created fiber connections to link major network nodes in addition to deploying new network equipment that allows the previously independent networks to communicate. Besides consolidating the network assets, Zayo also consolidated back office functions, including network management and customer support, into one Network Control Center. Since all of the records on the related network elements are in one place, customers will be able to get service support via one point of contact.
After Zayo completed its acquisition of AboveNet in July, Glenn Russo, EVP, Corporate Strategy & Development, said that because the networks complement one another, they will be selling "same sets of services across the broader footprint so we can offer our customers more comprehensive solutions."
While AboveNet may be Zayo's largest acquisition to date, it certainly isn't its last. Earlier this month, Zayo also completed its FiberGate acquisition, enhancing its presence in the Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Baltimore, and suburban Maryland area.
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