Lightpath to acquire United Fiber and Data

NEW YORK: Lightpath, a leading all-fiber connectivity provider, has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of United Fiber and Data (UFD). The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, is slated for completion in Q3 of 2024 and is set to enhance Lightpath’s network reach and service offerings.

UFD, known for its high-fiber count network spanning 323 route miles from New York City to Ashburn, VA, connects the nation’s largest population center with the world’s most extensive data center and cloud ecosystem.

Additionally, UFD’s assets include a 79-route mile metro network across New York City and New Jersey, featuring over 350 connected enterprise and data center locations and a significant fiber crossing of the Hudson River.

This strategic acquisition will integrate UFD’s network, equipped with the latest optical technologies from Ciena and capable of supporting dark fiber, Ethernet, and wavelengths up to 800 Gbps, into Lightpath’s extensive network. Lightpath’s network currently boasts over 20,000 route miles and connects more than 15,000 service locations, including 140 data centers and 7 cable landing stations.

Chris Morley, CEO of Lightpath, expressed that the addition of UFD is a “natural extension” of the company’s Greater New York City Metropolitan fiber assets. “It increases our ability to serve high-capacity customer needs into the Ashburn data center ecosystem and significantly enhances our Manhattan metro coverage,” Morley stated. He highlighted that this move aligns with Lightpath’s strategic investment approach to develop critical fiber infrastructure in high-growth markets.

Upon completion of the transaction, UFD customers will gain access to Lightpath’s entire network and service portfolio, which includes a range of connectivity solutions such as Wavelengths, Ethernet, Internet, Private Networks, Dark Fiber, LP FlexNet, Voice, Security Solutions, and Managed Services. This will enable customers to connect directly to over 140 data centers, 7 cable landing stations, and major cloud providers.

Lightpath is committed to revolutionizing customer connectivity to digital destinations by merging advanced network technology with exceptional customer service. For over three decades, Lightpath has been a trusted provider for thousands of enterprises, governments, and educational institutions.

The ownership of Lightpath is shared between Altice USA, holding a 50.01% interest, and Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners, owning the remaining 49.99%.

Lightpath is a premier provider of advanced fiber-optic network solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio of custom-engineered connectivity services with superior performance, reliability, and security. With a consultative approach to customer service, Lightpath designs, delivers, and supports tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients. The company’s extensive network and service portfolio have powered innovation for enterprises, governments, and educators for over 30 years.

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