Pandemic-hit connectivity providers turbocharging diversification strategies

22 December, 2020

Connectivity providers hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis are accelerating diversification strategies through M&A. With recovering markets and global expansion coming up on the horizon, satellite broadband operator Viasat is buying secure network solutions provider RigNet in a US$222m all-stock deal.

It comes after the pandemic has battered the share prices of both companies this year. The lack of travel has dented inflight connectivity revenues for Viasat, while lower oil & gas demand has hit the energy segment for RigNet. Viasat shares have...

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Digital divide measures pushing non-traditional operators to the fore

9 December, 2020

Non-traditional operators grabbed the lion’s share of the FCC’s technology-neutral rural broadband fund in its first phase, where higher than expected competition from entrants signals a dynamic shift in efforts tackling the US digital divide.

Cableco Charter Communications won the highest...

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SPAC boom shines path for capital-intensive satellite companies

8 October, 2020

The resurgent special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) market has found its second pure-play space company in Momentus, a US-based startup facilitating ‘last-mile’ deliveries of already launched satellites. With alternatives to traditional M&A set to play an important role in COVID-19 recovery strategies, pioneering satellite ventures appear well-suited to leverage intense activity in this market to hit sizeable capex demands.

However, the growing trend comes amid warnings of a potential bubble as the low interest rate environment...

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