Broadnet Holdings BV
Broadnet Holdings BV ("Broadnet") was the holding company of the Broadnet group of companies with its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Broadnet assembled a portfolio of national wireless broadband internet licences in Europe in the late 1990s and early 2000s.[1] The company offered its services to SME and Enterprise markets.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Telecommunications |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Fate | No longer operating |
| Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium |
Area served | Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Czech Republic |
Key people | Robert Condon Declan Ganley Ryan Wren (CEO) Joseph J. Euteneuer (CFO) |
| Owner | Comcast Corporation, European Telcom Holdings |
| Website | www.broadnet.net (defunct) |
Beginnings
The genesis of Broadnet dates back to 1996, when Robert Condon and Declan Ganley began purchasing wireless spectrum licences through their company European Telecoms Holdings. In 1998, Comcast Corporation made a substantial investment in the company and Broadnet Holdings BV was formed. Following the Comcast investment, Comcast owned 62.5% of the firm[2] and European Telcoms Holdings (controlled by Condon and Ganley) owned the remaining 37.5%.[2]
Technology
The company provided wireless broadband internet services using wireless spectrum in the 3.5 GHz and 28 GHz frequency band. The company deployed advanced wireless network systems manufactured by Lucent and Alcatel to establish point-to-point and point-to-multi-point wireless systems in major cities throughout Europe.
Licence Acquisition
By 2000 Broadnet had obtained spectrum licences in the UK, Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal and Norway.[1][3]
Broadnet established companies in other countries for the purpose of bidding for licences, but it was not always successful. Broadnet bid for a licence in Ireland but was beaten by Eircom.[4] Broadnet sued the telecoms regulator that awarded the licences, but settled.[4]
Operations
Broadnet launched operations in Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Norway and the Czech Republic. Some other markets had network infrastructure for regulatory purposes, but were never commercially launched.
Purchase by Comcast
At its peak Broadnet was valued at $1bn. The Company considered raising around $1bn[3] to roll out broadband services across Europe, via a flotation[3] or private placing,[3] but did not do so. Comcast bought out European Telcoms' Holding's Share to become the sole owner. Subsequently, Condon and Ganley sold their holdings to Comcast. .[5]
References
- ^ a b "Interview: Daire O'Brien: Prepared to take the broadband picture" The Sunday Times, 25 January 2004
- ^ a b "BroadNet beats Telenor to Norway broadband licence" Irish Independent, Wednesday 8 March 2000
- ^ a b c d "French win for Ganley", Irish Independent, Wednesday 12 July 2000
- ^ a b "Doyle to review Eircom licence award", Irish Independent, Thursday 11 May 2000
- ^ "Vodafone acquired BroadNet and keep strengthening its position in business segment", Vodafone press release, 3 September 2008