News

Arqiva talks up Spectrum Interactive merger

Network infrastructure specialist claims acquisition would make it the UK's largest public Wi-Fi provider.

3 Jul 2012

Network infrastructure provider Arqiva has agreed to acquire UK Wi-Fi operator Spectrum Interactive for 23.4 million.

Arqiva claims the deal would make it the UK's largest Wi-Fi hotspot provider, giving it access to more than 15,000 additional access points and 2,100 premium Wi-Fi locations.

In a statement, Arqiva said its new purchase would strengthen its wholesale mobile data business, and that all of Spectrum Interactive's staff would be joining the firm.

John Cresswell, chief executive officer of Arqiva, said: "We are well placed to help define the Wi-Fi space for all UK landlords and business providers, allowing us to individually tailor services for our customers to meet the growing demand for data capacity."

Nicolas Ott, managing director of Arqiva, said the company is planning to ramp up the number of public Wi-Fi hotspots by rolling out its services in hotels, restaurants, airports and motorway service stations.

"We can accelerate the roll out of Arqiva's wholesale mobile data offer," Ott added. "Whilst enhancing services provided to Spectrum Interactive's customers."