Eastlink continues NB wireless expansion into Fredericton

Consumers can expect:

• great value for money with simple pricing/plans

• ease of switching through contract buyout

• Worry-Free Data eliminating unexpected data overages

• Canada-wide coverage included in every plan at no additional charge

FREDERICTON, April 19, 2018 /CNW/ - Following its most recent launch in Saint John, Eastlink (part of the Bragg Group of Companies) continues to bring choice and competition to more New Brunswickers with the introduction of its highly-anticipated wireless service in Fredericton.

Deputy Premier of New Brunswick, Stephen Horsman, joins Eastlink CEO, Lee Bragg at Eastlink’s official launch of wireless in Fredericton, NB. (CNW Group/Eastlink)

"We are so pleased to continue the expansion of our wireless service further into New Brunswick," says Lee Bragg, Eastlink CEO.  "Our goal has been to deliver the best possible experience for our customers by investing in the latest network technology, providing great value for money, and delivering customer service that exceeds our customers' expectations."

The company's "customer-first" approach is what Eastlink says makes it different from its competitors.

"We're incredibly proud of what we've accomplished so far having launched and expanded our wireless service into five provinces over the last five years," continues Mr. Bragg. "We listen to what customers tell us they want and work hard to deliver more of what is important to them; simple plans, lower prices, fast network speed, extensive and reliable coverage, and better overall customer service."

Grand opening celebrations begin today and will continue throughout the week at the brand new Eastlink location at the Regent Mall.  Customers can make the switch to Eastlink in-store, through online chat at www.eastlink.ca, or by calling Eastlink Customer Care at 1-888-345-1111. 

About Eastlink
Headquartered in Halifax, NS, Eastlink is a family-owned and operated telecommunications provider, delivering world-class video entertainment and communications services to residential, business and public sector customers across the country.

Powered by state-of-the-art fibre optic and wireless networks, Eastlink's advanced services include Eastlink Stream, TV Channel Exchange, high speed Internet, wireless, competitive local and long distance telephone, security and automation, data communications and exclusive, locally-produced programming on Eastlink TV.

Eastlink is one of Canada's Best Managed Companies with operations in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia as well as Bermuda.

The Eastlink Wireless Difference

Better value with Simple Plans

• Nationwide Talk & Text included in every plan.

• Families can add additional lines and share data from just $25/month per family member.

• Use your plan in the US for only $6/day.

Ease of switching with Contract Buyout – only from Eastlink

• Eastlink will buy out your contract (up to $200 per cell phone), making switching easier than ever.

• Up to five family members per household.

No surprises with Worry-Free Data – only from Eastlink

• We notify you when you reach 75% and 100% of your Data limit.

• We pause your Data when you reach 100%, then you choose the best option for you.

Complete flexibility with easyTab® – only from Eastlink

• Choose any phone and match it with any plan.

• Switch plans without penalty or upgrade at any time.

• After your tab is paid off, your monthly bill actually goes down.

Get the device you want with the most popular phones available

• Leading-edge, VoLTE-enabled Smartphones.

• Extensive device selection.

• Every phone is $0 down.

www.facebook.com/eastlink  
www.twitter.com/eastlink

For further information: Media Contact: Jill Laing, 902-446-1939, Jill.laing@corp.eastlink.ca

TDS begins construction of fiber-to-the-home project in Mesquite, Nevada

TDS Telecom (TDS®) has kicked off construction of a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Mesquite, Nevada  Construction on the network started in March and will reach at least 2,500 homes this year.

TDS is investing millions with this FTTH project. TDS contractors are now in the process of installing conduit and burying fiber lines in 21 neighborhoods.  More than 27 miles of fiber, including new transport fiber, will be installed during this project.

Depending on the number of homes, most neighborhoods can take up to six weeks.

Here’s what customers can expect with TDS’ FTTH project:

1. A few days before construction starts in your neighborhood, TDS fiber contractors will alert customers via a door hanger with start dates.

2. After work begins, contractors will run the fiber line from a TDS fiber cabinet into below ground vaults within the neighborhood. This work should take six weeks on average.

3. Once we have the technology installed and tested, we will begin marketing to residents and taking pre-orders. We will then contact customers once we are ready to start scheduling installations. At install, TDS contractors will return to connect the fiber line to homes, and set up the equipment. Speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps/Gig) will be available.

“TDS is thrilled to offer superior internet speeds to Mesquite, said Jim Butman, TDS president and CEO. “TDS has brought fiber-optic technology to multiple communities throughout the country and our customers have found that fiber-to-the-home provides a powerful connection that is noticeably and measurably faster.”

Fiber lines can carry thousands of times more information than conventional cable technology. “Fiber is faster, more reliable and more secure,” said Butman. “With fiber, customers should not notice any slowdowns during peak times of internet usage.”

For more information about this project, go to HelloTDS.com/fiber where customers can sign up to receive updates and get more information.

Mesquite FTTH neighborhoods include: Falcon Crest, Hawk Ridge, Saint Andrews, Sunset Greens and Sierra Ridge; Coyote Willows and River Bend; Desert Rose and Calistoga Ranch; Spanish Bay, Tuscans, Fox Hollow and Portobello; Stone Haven, Cambria and Desert Ridge; Turtleback Canyon and Palm Cove; and The Masters, SpyGlass Hill and Sorrento.

Buckeye Broadband Broadens Relationship with Espial

Operator licenses vendor’s 'Elevate' SaaS video platform to pave way for OTT, voice navigation

Espial said Buckeye Broadband, an operator that serves parts of northwest and Ohio and southeast Michigan, has inked a deal to license Espial’s “Elevate” software-as-a service video platform.

The move will enable Buckeye Broadband to provide integrated access to OTT services such as Netflix and YouTube, as well as new voice-based navigation features.

The agreement expands on the video relationship between Buckeye Broadband and Espial. Part of that stems from Buckeye’s deployment of a multi-room DVR centered on Arris’s Whole Home Solution offering. Espial acquired Arris's Whole Home Solution business in 2016.

“Elevate enhances the experience of our video customers, while giving us flexibility in how we deliver those experiences in the future,” Jeff Abbas, president and GM of Buckeye Broadband, aid in a statement. “The continuous innovation being driven on Elevate helps us increase customer engagement and satisfaction while mindfully controlling our expenses.”

The agreement was announced amid this week’s NCTC Winter Educational Conference in San Antonio.

Espial struck a similar deal last fall with MCTV for services supporting live TV, whole home DVR and OTT apps.

Buckeye Broadband also markets a TiVo-based offering under the “Express TV” brand.

Liberty Global Teams to Provide Free WiFi in Puerto Rico

Using mobile WiFi units to provide connectivity in communities severely impacted by storms

Liberty Global said it has teamed up with the government of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board on a “mobile WiFi Tour” that is providing free internet connections to communities there that were most severely impacted by Hurricane Maria.

Headed up by Liberty Cablevision Puerto Rico, the free WiFi Tour includes three mobile units specifically designed for first aid communications after a natural disaster, the operator said. Kymeta, a company that includes Liberty Global Ventures as a financial backer, supplied the satellite antennas, while Intelsat is delivering the Internet connectivity.

Each mobile unit is equipped with satellite antennas that provide internet to the municipalities which the PRTRB determined have the greatest telecommunications needs. Those mobile WiFi vehicles are also leading a caravan of locally provided goodwill and services such as FEMA, banking, insurance, food, water, medical supplies and doctors to 29 remote towns that do not currently have internet connectivity, Liberty Global added.

“Liberty Global’s free WiFi Tour represents our steadfast commitment to aiding the people of Puerto Rico at their greatest time of need with services that have an immediate impact,” Liberty Global CEO Mike Fries said in a statement. “I can attest first-hand to the bravery of Puerto Ricans, and to the fierce determination of our Liberty employees in helping restore services to our customers. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board, the Government of Puerto Rico and our collaborating partners for coming together to bring this private enterprise and public agency partnership to life.”

Liberty Global has already committed $1 million of funding to the Liberty Foundation in Puerto Rico and the Cable & Wireless Charitable Foundation, which were established to assist victims of the recent hurricanes in the region.

Last week, Liberty Global noted in its Q3 results that the effects of the recent storms negatively impacted Liberty Puerto Rico’s and C&W's revenue by an estimated $19 million and $3 million, respectively.

Providence Equity Partners Agrees to Sell its Economic Interest in KIN to Protelindo

Protelindo to Become Sole Shareholder in KIN Upon Closing

LONDON and JAKARTA, March 21, 2018 – Providence Equity Partners (“Providence”), a premier global private equity firm, today announced that it has entered into definitive agreements to divest its economic interest in PT Komet Infra Nusantara (“KIN”), a leading integrated telecommunications infrastructure provider in Indonesia, to PT Profesional Telekomunikasi Indonesia (“Protelindo”). In 2014, Providence made the investment in PT Telekom Infranusantara, a subsidiary of PT Nusantara Infrastructure (“PTNI”), which is also selling its stake in KIN to Protelindo. Together with PTNI, Providence founded KIN and oversaw its stable growth into one of the region’s leading independent providers of telecommunications services.

About PT Komet Infra Nusantara (“KIN”)

PT Komet Infra Nusantara (KIN) is an established telecommunications infrastructure provider in Indonesia and currently owns approximately 1,400 towers and more than 2,000 tenants. For more information, please visit kin-towers.com.

About Providence Equity Partners (“Providence”)

Providence is a premier global private equity firm with more than $54 billion in capital under management. Providence pioneered a sector-focused approach to private equity investing with the vision that a dedicated team of industry experts could build exceptional companies of enduring value. Since the firm's inception in 1989, Providence has invested in more than 160 companies and is the leading equity investment firm focused on the media, communications, education and information industries. Providence is headquartered in Providence, RI, and also has offices in New York and London. For more information, please visit www.provequity.com

About PT Profesional Telekomunikasi Indonesia ("Protelindo")

PT Sarana Menara Nusantara Tbk. ("SMN") was established in June 2008 with a primary focus to invest in operating companies that specialize in owning and operating telecommunication towers for wireless operators. SMN's activities are conducted through itssubsidiary, PT Profesional Telekomunikasi Indonesia ("Protelindo"). Protelindo was established in January 2003 and has become the largest-independent owner and operator of towers for wireless operators in Indonesia. Protelindo's primary business is leasing space at its multi-tenant tower for all major wireless operators in Indonesia under long term lease agreements. Protelindo owns and operates over 14,500 towers in Indonesia. On March 8, 2010, SMN completed an initial public offering of its shares and is now listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) under the ticker symbol "TOWR".

Media Contacts:

Providence Equity Partners

Andrew Cole

Conrad Harrington

Sard Verbinnen & Co.

T: +1 212 687 8080/ +44 (0)20 3178 8914

E: prov-svc@sardverb.com

Eastlink continues wireless expansion into Saint John, NB

Consumers can expect:

• great value for money with simple pricing/plans

• ease of switching through contract buyout

• Worry-Free Data eliminating unexpected data overages

• Canada-wide coverage included in every plan at no additional charge

SAINT JOHN, NB, March 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Eastlink (part of the Bragg Group of Companies) is bringing choice and competition to more New Brunswickers with the launch of its highly-anticipated wireless service, in Saint John.

"We are very pleased to expand our wireless service further into New Brunswick," says Lee Bragg, Eastlink CEO.  "Our goal has been to deliver the best possible experience for our customers by investing in the latest network technology, providing great value for money, and delivering customer service that exceeds our customers' expectations."

Eastlink says it is the company's "customer-first" approach that makes it different from its competitors including:

• Ease of switching: Customers stuck in a contract can make the switch right away as Eastlink will buy out their existing cellphone contract.

• Better Value: Competitive plan pricing combined with devices on Eastlink's innovative easyTab® provide monthly prices that actually go down over time.

• No surprises: Worry-Free Data means customers won't be hit with unexpected data overage charges.

Eastlink has launched and expanded its wireless service into five provinces over five years, first launching in Nova Scotia in 2013 expanding into Moncton, NB in the summer of 2016.

"We're incredibly proud of what we've accomplished so far," continues Mr. Bragg. "We listen to what customers want and work hard to deliver more of what is important to them; simple plans, lower prices, fast network speed, extensive and reliable coverage, and better overall customer service."

Grand opening celebrations begin today and will continue throughout the week at the brand new Eastlink location in McAllister Place.  Customers can make the switch to Eastlink in-store, through online chat at www.eastlink.ca, or by calling Eastlink Customer Care at 1-888-345-1111. 

The Eastlink Wireless Difference

Simple plans, loaded with value

• Nationwide Talk & Text included in every plan.

• Families can add additional lines and share data from just $25/month per family member.

• Use your plan in the US for only $6/day.

Contract Buyout – only from Eastlink

• Eastlink will buy out your contract (up to $200 per cell phone), making switching easier than ever.

• Up to five family members per household.

Worry-Free Data – only from Eastlink

• We notify you when you reach 75% and 100% of your Data limit.

• We pause your Data when you reach 100%, then you choose the best option for you.

easyTab® – only from Eastlink

• Complete flexibility to choose any phone and match it with any plan.

• Switch plans without penalty or upgrade at any time.

• After your tab is paid off, your monthly bill actually goes down.

Phones

• Leading-edge, VoLTE-enabled Smartphones.

• Extensive device selection.

• Every phone is $0 down.

https://www.facebook.com/EastLink/

https://twitter.com/eastlink

For further information: Jill Laing, 902-446-1939, Jill.laing@corp.eastlink.ca

AMP Capital Announces Entry into a Definitive Agreement to Purchase Everstream

M/C Partners-led Consortium to sell Everstream

CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Everstream Solutions LLC (“Everstream”), a super-regional network service provider bringing fiber-based Ethernet, internet and data center solutions to businesses throughout the Midwest, announced today that its current investors—M/C Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, and its limited partners including investors advised by the Private Equity Group of J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners—have entered into a definitive agreement to sell Everstream to AMP Capital. Terms were not disclosed.

“Our team is very thankful to M/C for the opportunity to partner with them and deliver an outstanding result to their investors,” said Brett Lindsey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Everstream. M/C initially acquired Everstream from a non-profit in 2015 and has since supported the business in its accelerated organic growth strategy as well as its acquisitions of two major Michigan-based fiber network operators.

“We are excited to join forces with AMP Capital,” Lindsey continued. “With their support, Everstream looks forward to continued positive growth through acquisitions, greenfield network builds and organic growth in our existing markets.”

AMP Capital is a global investment manager headquartered in Australia with a growing international presence, including in North America. In the U.S., AMP Capital has offices in New York, Chicago and Irvine, California. Its U.S. infrastructure equity investments include Chicago’s Millennium Garages, the largest underground parking system in the U.S., and ITS ConGlobal, a leading shipping and intermodal terminal operator.

“Everstream will be our platform for the consolidation of telecom assets in North America and we are excited about the opportunity to invest in the U.S. telecom sector and grow the business,” said Dylan Foo, Head of Americas Infrastructure Equity, AMP Capital.

“We continually look for quality investments on behalf of our clients. Our focus remains on the middle market, which is where we see the greatest value and opportunity,” Foo continued. “Communications infrastructure has become an essential service in the modern world, including Fiber, Wireless and Data Centers. AMP Capital has a strong global pedigree in this target sector, and we are pleased to secure our first North American Fiber asset.”

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018 once necessary regulatory approvals are obtained. Everstream plans to utilize the investment from AMP Capital for acquisitions and to fund organic network growth and development.

“M/C has been investing in the fiber industry for over three decades and has worked with Brett on three transactions in the last 15 years,” said Gillis Cashman, Managing Partner, M/C Partners, and member of the Everstream Board of Directors. “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this investment and for the Everstream team.”

Evercore and MVP Capital served as lead financial advisers to Everstream and M/C Partners in connection with the transaction. Choate, Hall & Stewart and Thompson Hine served as legal counsel to Everstream and M/C Partners. Goldman Sachs served as financial advisor to AMP Capital and White & Case served as legal counsel.

About Everstream
Everstream is a super-regional network service provider bringing fiber-based Ethernet, internet and data center solutions to businesses throughout the Midwest. We are the Business Fiber Network®. We focus on delivering best-in-class network solutions while providing an unrivaled commitment to customer service. With more than 10,000 route miles and comprehensive data center connectivity at 100 Gigabit speed, we provide the fastest network in our service areas. Everstream’s network allows businesses to operate a converged IP network capable of delivering robust voice, video, and data services at speeds from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps. For more information, visit everstream.net.

About AMP Capital
AMP Capital is a specialist global investment manager with A$187.7 billion in funds under management as of December 31, 2017, and more than 250 investment professionals. AMP Capital has a heritage and strength in real estate and infrastructure, and specialist expertise in fixed income, equities and multi-asset solutions. It is a subsidiary of AMP Limited, which was established in 1849, and is one of Australia’s largest retail and corporate pension providers. For more information, visit ampcapital.com.au.

About M/C Partners
M/C Partners is a private equity firm focused exclusively on the communications, media and information technology sectors. The firm has invested over $2.2 billion of capital into over 130 companies in those sectors. Companies M/C has backed include Cavalier Telephone, Ensono, Everstream, Fusepoint, ICG Communications, Involta, Legendary Pictures, Lightower, MetroPCS, NuVox, Thrive and Zayo Group. The firm has strong institutional backing from the nation’s leading pension funds and endowments as well as a long track record of success. For more information, visit mcpartners.com.

About J.P. Morgan Asset Management
J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under management of $1.7 trillion (as of December 31, 2017), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s clients include institutions, retail investors and high net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), the parent company of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, is a leading global asset management firm with assets of approximately $2.5 trillion (as of December 31, 2017) and operations worldwide. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at jpmorganchase.com. J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates worldwide.

About Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners
Alternative Investment Partners Private Markets, an investment team within Morgan Stanley Investment Management, was established in 2000 and specializes in delivering unique and innovative private market solutions to a global client base. AIP Private Markets’ built-for-purpose investment team draws on its deep understanding of private markets strategies formed over decades of investment experience and seeks to apply this expertise and insight to bring thoughtful, opportunistic and innovative solutions to clients.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management, together with its investment advisory affiliates, has 608 investment professionals around the world and $482 billion in assets under management or supervision as of December 31, 2017. Morgan Stanley Investment Management strives to provide outstanding long-term investment performance, service and a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base, which includes governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide.

Contacts

Everstream Solutions LLC
Suzanne Scarpino, 216-346-5227
sscarpino@everstream.net

Eastlink recognized for 12th year as one of Canada’s Best Managed companies

HALIFAX, NS – Eastlink confirmed today that the company has been recognized by Deloitte Canada as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 12th consecutive year.

“We’re incredibly proud to have once again met the standards of excellence synonymous with Deloitte Canada’s Best Managed Companies program,” said Lee Bragg, CEO. “Earning this designation consistently over the past 12 years is truly a reflection of our entire team’s commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.”

Deloitte Canada’s Best Managed Companies program is the country’s leading business awards program, recognizing Canadian companies that demonstrate profitability, innovation and overall corporate success.

“It’s much more than just financial performance,” said Mat Harris, Regional Managing Partner of Deloitte’s Atlantic practice. “The ingredients to success also include overall business performance and sustained growth. It takes dedication and commitment from the entire organization.” 

Mr. Bragg explains that key to the continued success of the company is a set of principles that guide how the business operates across all of its functional areas. These include focusing on doing the right thing for the business, pursuing excellence, not perfection, seeing constraints as opportunities not barriers, continuous learning, an accountability philosophy to “see it, own it, and solve it”, and using information, metrics and analysis to drive decisions and insights.

“As a Canadian, family-owned company, with roots in small town Canada, we are all the more proud that we can be successful in an industry where there is extreme competition and ever-intensifying regulatory obligations,” said Lee Bragg, CEO Eastlink.

Eastlink was first recognized by Deloitte Canada as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies in 2006, and in 2013 earned the program’s prestigious Platinum Club status.

To learn more about Eastlink, its founder and how the company has developed over the years, visit The Eastlink Story.

Media Contact

Jill Laing
Public and Media Relations
(902) 446-1939
Jill.Laing@corp.eastlink.ca

Comporium® and AirTies to Bring Enhanced Whole-Home WiFi to Subscribers in the Carolinas

Rock Hill, S.C and Sunnyvale, CA – February 7, 2018 – Comporium, a leading provider of internet, TV, security and home security monitoring and automation (SMA), and phone services to customers in South Carolina and North Carolina, announced today that it has chosen AirTies, the most widely deployed provider of managed WiFi Mesh solutions to global service providers, to deliver ultra-performance, whole-home WiFi Mesh to its subscribers.

Unlike traditional WiFi, which relies on a single WiFi Access Point (AP) on a home gateway/router, Comporium will use multiple Mesh Extenders from AirTies to create an intelligent Mesh WiFi Mesh network throughout subscribers’ homes to deliver fast and consistent, whole-home Internet coverage. AirTies’ elegant and compact Air 4920s use AirTies’ Mesh Software, which ensures consumers’ devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) continually connect to the best available extender and frequency band (2.4GHz and 5GHz), based on real-time network usage. Comporium will also use AirTies’ Remote View, a cloud-based platform that provides key in-home WiFi performance data and analytics to improve the consumer experience.

Comporium offers a range of internet plans to subscribers, including Zipstream 1 Gigabit service in select areas, a premier internet plan that delivers the high speeds of over 100 times faster than the average plan. A two-device kit for Comporium’s Whole Home WiFi, using AirTies’ Mesh System, will be offered for $9.99 per month to new or existing customers who upgrade to higher tier internet service plans.

“Comporium is committed to bringing the highest quality experience to our subscribers, and we’re particularly excited about whole-home WiFi,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Matthew Dosch. “We know our customers want superfast internet everywhere in their homes, and WiFi Mesh can make that happen. As a global leader in WiFi Mesh technology, wWe’re very pleased to be deploying AirTies’ products to enhance the performance and reliability of WiFi coverage throughout our customers’ homes.”

“For more than a century, Comporium has been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to serving their customers, and today’s announcement is further proof of their forward-thinking,” said Philippe Alcaras, CEO of AirTies. “Today’s super-connected homes deserve ultra-fast WiFi that works in every corner of the home, and our Managed Mesh system was designed to do just that. We’re proud to have been chosen by Comporium to help them deliver a new class of whole-home WiFi to their subscribers.”

A 2017 survey of 1,050 respondents, with multiple WiFi users per home, commissioned by AirTies and conducted by Qualtrics, found that seventy-eight percent (78%) of respondents would prefer if their Internet Service Providers provided them with their in-home WiFi networking gear, versus purchasing it themselves through retail outlets. The survey also found that the majority of consumers would consider upgrading their internet service plans, or even paying extra, for a premium WiFi experience that improves performance throughout the entire home.

With operations around the globe, AirTies provides premium in-home WiFi solutions to leading international service providers, such as Atlantic Broadband, AT&T, Frontier, Midco, Singtel, Sky (SKY Q in the UK; Germany; Italy; and New Zealand), Swisscom, Vodafone, and many others. With AirTies, operators can seize new opportunities to improve customer satisfaction, drive incremental revenue, and differentiate with new classes of premium WiFi services. AirTies also recently announced it was expanding its North American presence with a new R&D center in Austin, Texas.

Additional information about Comporium is available at: www.Comporium.com. Additional information about AirTies can be found at: www.AirTies.com.

About Comporium
Comporium, Inc., headquartered in Rock Hill, S.C., is a diversified, privately-held communications company that employs nearly 1,200 people and provides data, video, voice, wireless, smart home systems and advertising services throughout the Carolinas. Comporium’s ventures include companies providing fiber transport and business solutions, data storage and managed services, smart devices and connected home/car services, and digital signage. For more information, please visit www.comporium.com.

About AirTies
Founded in 2004, AirTies is the most widely deployed provider of Managed WiFi Mesh solutions to operators around the globe. AirTies designs and develops software and hardware that wirelessly streams Internet connections and high definition video to multiple rooms and screens. Its award winning technology enables seamless wireless integration at the touch of a button, increased wireless speeds, and coverage throughout subscribers’ entire homes. AirTies has an installed base of over 15 million devices worldwide. AirTies’ customers include: Atlantic Broadband, Frontier, Midco, Singtel, Sky (SKY Q in the UK; Germany; Italy; and New Zealand), Swisscom, Vodafone, Waoo, and many other operators. More information is available at www.AirTies.com.

Schurz Communications Inc. : Acquires Leading Hybrid Cloud Provider Online Tech

Schurz Communications diversifies its business for future generations with investment in hybrid cloud

Schurz Communications Inc. announced today that it has acquired leading compliant hybrid cloud provider, Online Tech, LLC. The investment represents entrance into the rapidly-growing cloud market with a proven platform that can be built upon for future generations. Industry veterans, Brad Cheedle and Tom Wilten of Cloudworthy join the current leadership team and will serve as the CEO and CFO, respectively.

Online Tech currently serves nearly 500 clients across the Midwest with its network of seven data centers and full suite of hybrid cloud services including managed Microsoft Azure, Disaster Recovery as a Service, Data Protection as a Service. With a focus on security and compliance, their expert engineers support mission-critical applications and provide enterprise-class infrastructure to mid-market customers across a range of industries. DH Capital, LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to Online Tech.

During the sale of its broadcast assets in late 2015, the Schurz family retained Moorgate Capital Partners to assist with its future growth and diversification strategy. After an extensive vetting process, the cloud managed services sector was identified as the best fit for Schurz.

“The question we were grappling with after the sale of our broadcast properties was: How do we position the company for growth for future generations? We were looking for something that aligned with our values and our core competencies but also was in an exciting and high growth area that we could build upon,” said Todd Schurz, President and CEO Schurz Communications, Inc.. “The cloud represents all of that for us.”

Moorgate introduced Schurz to Brad Cheedle and Tom Wilten of Cloudworthy, who were looking for a well-managed, high-growth hybrid cloud company that focused on compliance and security with an industry leading client portal that could offer customers a Single Pane of Glass across a customers varied IT environments. After evaluating numerous companies in the space together, Online Tech emerged as the clear favorite, meeting the criteria of both Schurz and Cloudworthy.

“Our company is known for patient capital that assists growing companies realize their aspirations. Online Tech represents one of the most exciting opportunities in the cloud market today. The strong and proven management team has ambitious goals in this rapidly growing industry and we are excited to provide the support necessary to achieve them,” said Todd Schurz.

Online Tech plans accelerate and expand its footprint into additional underserved markets across the nation to ensure more customers have access to secure and compliant hybrid cloud solutions, superior customer support and managed IT services.

“The Schurz family are tremendous partners and will allow Online Tech to realize the full potential of its proven platform,” said Wilten. “Schurz’ support will allow us to expand the company’s product portfolio and enter in to new markets that are currently underserved. This is an exciting opportunity and we are looking forward to helping more customers solve their complex IT challenges as they migrate to the Cloud.”

About Schurz Communications Inc.

Schurz Communications Inc. is a Mishawaka, Indiana-based news and information company that consists of broadband, newspaper publishing and digital media operations. It owns 3 broadband companies servicing over 75,000 subs, publishes 11 daily and 7 weekly newspapers in medium and small markets with a daily circulation of 129,467 and weekly circulation of 95,800, various niche publications, and multiple minority investments. Geographically, Schurz Communications has a presence in Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. For more information, visit www.schurz.com.

About Online Tech

Online Tech is the leader in secure, compliant hybrid cloud, colocation, disaster recovery and data protection services. Their industry-leading portal, OTPortal™, enables clients to view and manage all of their IT systems in a single pane of glass. Backed by independent HIPAA, PCI, SSAE 18, EU-US Privacy Shield and SOC 2 audits Online Tech delivers exceptional experiences for businesses seeking a fully managed IT-as-a-service provider. For more information, call 877-740-5028 email solutions@onlinetech.com or visit www.onlinetech.com.

About Moorgate Capital Partners, LLC

Moorgate Capital Partners is an independent merchant banking and advisory firm that looks to partner with industry leading executives and management teams to source and acquire middle market growth companies in the technology, media, and communications industries. Additionally, Moorgate provides independent, trusted advisory services and outsourced corporate development to a focused group of clients. Moorgate has offices in New York City and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.MoorgatePartners.com.