Comcast Acquires Deep Blue Communications To Boost Managed Wi-Fi Chops

Comcast acquires managed Wi-Fi provider Deep Blue Communications. The deal will add a managed Wi-Fi solution to Comcast's network solutions portfolio.

Cable giant Comcast on Wednesday revealed that it has closed on a deal to buy managed Wi-Fi solution provider Deep Blue Communications.

Combined, Comcast and Deep Blue Communications will provide both the reliable network and portfolio of advanced networking solutions with an intelligent, managed Wi-Fi solution for business customers, according to Philadelphia-based Comcast.

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

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Deep Blue Communications specializes in engineering, installing, and supporting wired and wireless networks. The company, which was founded in 2001, has become a popular managed Wi-Fi provider for retail and large entertainment venues and is certified for use for several hospitality brands, the Latham, N.Y.-based company said.

Ace Technology Advisors, a Comcast agent partner that is adopting an MSP model in the LTE arena, said that the acquisition is a "win-win" for both Comcast and Ace Technology Advisors. That's because the deal underlines the importance of moving in the direction of managed services, just like Ace is pursuing, said Andrew Gregoire, CEO of Fall River, Mass.-based Ace Technology Advisors.

"It's a huge pickup for Comcast, and it emphasizes that we are doing the right thing," Gregoire said.

Bill Stemper, president of Comcast Business, said in a statement; “Customers will benefit from our expertise in advanced business and network solutions with Deep Blue Communications’ know-how in providing commercial, managed Wi-Fi at scale. We look forward to delivering innovative solutions that will drive competitive advantage and growth in key vertical industries such as hospitality and entertainment.”

Brian Epstein, CEO of Deep Blue Communications, said that the company is "thrilled" to join Comcast and work closely with the Comcast Business team. Together, we will connect people, network and advanced applications to deliver ever-evolving network, guest and customer experiences," Epstein said in a statement.

In its Q1 2019 earnings conference call earlier this month, Comcast said its business services division was posting impressive growth with connectivity paving the way toward another year of strong sales for the company. Revenue for the business unit, which includes high-speed internet, voice, video, wireless and business services, rose 4.2 percent during the first quarter, reaching $14.28 billion, up from $13.70 billion in the first quarter of 2018.