OneEighty Networks buys Highspeed

OneEighty Networks, a provider of data services to businesses and residences, announced the purchase of Highspeed Communications LLC, based in Walla Walla.

From staff reports The Spokesman Review

Highspeed operates as a data provider with about 6,000 customers in Walla Walla, Bend, Ore., and the Tri-Cities.

OneEighty founder Greg Green said he was part of an effort four years ago to merge Highspeed with Avista Communications, where he was president. That deal never materialized.

After leaving Avista, Green acquired some of Avista Communications’ area fiber network in 2002 and operated it under his new company, OneEighty Networks.

Green paid about $1 million for Highspeed’s assets and customers. The transaction will have no impact on customers of Highspeed.

"We’re excited about this opportunity," Green said. "It provides us about $3 million more a year in revenue."

OneEighty Networks has about 1,200 area customers and revenues of about $2 million, according to Green.

OneEighty will retain 13 of Highspeed’s 16 workers. But new positions also will be added over the next few months in Bend and Walla Walla, Green said.

OneEighty Networks also gained access to the licensed wireless spectrum that Highspeed had acquired in Oregon, Hawaii, Nevada, central California and Washington.

That will allow OneEighty to develop broadband wireless links to customers without needing to lay fiber to them, Green said.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=100303&ID=s1419511&cat=section.business