IBBS to acquire SinglePipe creating fully integrated voice and data solutions for cable operators

Integrated Broadband Services (IBBS), the leading provider of managed communications services for cable companies, today announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire SinglePipe, Inc., a top provider of voice over IP solutions for cable. Combined under the IBBS brand, the company will offer fully integrated voice and data solutions for cable companies that seek to expand their residential and commercial service offerings.

IBBS provides advanced back office systems, technical support services and data and voice applications to cable operators, enabling them to compete, grow and win via the delivery of advanced communications solutions.

SinglePipe offers voiceover IP- enabled communications through its owned and operated facilities-based network to cable companies throughout the United States.

With the acquisition, IBBS will deliver a fully integrated platform combining the industry’s leading back office systems and technical support services with a robust portfolio of voice and data services. Supported by the award-winning proprietary Broadband Explorer (BBX) operational support system, IBBS will offer a single, reliable platform from which cable providers can launch and manage their services for residential and commercial customers. IBBS will back its services with its advanced Network Operations Center and 140-person U.S.-based Technical Support Center.

The IBBS/SinglePipe deal will satisfy cable operators’ demands on multiple fronts. According to IBBS’ 2010 annual customer survey, finding new revenue streams and creating additional service opportunities ranked as top priorities. Nearly 70 percent of customers polled seek new services and support to penetrate business markets. Forty percent of customers stated that tapping new revenue opportunities is a strategic priority, with commercial services and VoIP identified as top drivers for growth.

“We have heard our customers loud and clear. They seek a single source of expertise to launch new services and accelerate bottom-line growth with a proven company they can trust. Our acquisition of SinglePipe and the addition of voice services to our portfolio will enhance our ability to support operators as they deploy voice and commercial services – two of the fastest growing opportunities in cable,” said Dave Keil, CEO of IBBS. “With the addition of a superior voice service, we are even better equipped to develop innovative solutions and to support operators in their quests to be market leaders.”

“SinglePipe and IBBS have collaborated during the last two years to serve our common customers with individual expertise in voice and data,” said Jeff Carr, CEO of SinglePipe. “Now, with the combination of our companies, customers will be well-served with united capabilities and an innovative approach.”

Cable providers will realize a host of benefits from the combined entity:

Integrated voice + data capabilities drive increased revenue opportunities
IBBS customers that currently benefit from the existing IBBS portfolio for residential customers can now add or enhance voice offerings to take advantage of growth opportunities, especially in the commercial services sector. The combined entity extends IBBS’ award-winning offerings and expertise in the Commercial market. Providers can easily roll out and manageadvanced telephony and data services with hosted applications geared specifically for business customers.

Deep technical expertise and cable knowledgecreate outstanding end-user experience
Integrated expertise in data, voice, network, and operations provides a comprehensive approach that results in an outstanding end-user experience. By managing the voice network, IBBS has visibility into root causes of both voice and data events and can more quickly and effectively resolve issues. Additionally, integrated provisioning systems simplify the process, eliminate multiple data entry points, and improve accuracy and timeliness. Customers benefit from support through IBBS’ dedicated, state-of-the-art Technical Support Center and 24x7x365 NOC.

Ongoing investment in solutions for continued growth
IBBS’ solutions are designed to help cable operators maximize ARPU and generate superior margins. IBBS brings significant financial resources to ensure that cable operators and their customers benefit from the latest advances supporting improved services levels, capabilities, features, and functionality – now, and in the future.

"Today, we rely on IBBS for data provisioning, network operations, and customer care. We also contract SinglePipe to support Northland phone services in the Southeast and parts of the West,” said John Whetzell, CEO of Northland Communications Corporation. “The consolidation of these companies provides a combined source for Data and Voice and gives us confidence that we are even better positioned to provide an excellent telephone and Internet service to our customers.”

IBBS’ combined voice + data offering for residential and commercial customers is immediately available. To learn more, visit www.IBBS.com/integrated.

This deal is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close within the next thirty days. Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

Media Contact:
Sarah Eder, Eder Communications for IBBS
(303) 887-9744 direct
sarah.eder@ibbs.com

Customer Contact:
Bob Hobbs, IBBS
Bob.Hobbs@ibbs.com
770.387.2053 x 2000