JAB Wireless Targets its 50th Acquisition

JAB Wireless, Inc., headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, continues its growth in 2010 as the leading fixed wireless service provider in the U.S. In May 2006 JAB commenced operations with the acquisition of six wireless Internet service providers in Colorado and Utah, and is now targeting its 50th acquisition planned to close soon. JAB provides wireless Internet and digital phone service to tens of thousands of subscribers in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Dallas/Ft. Worth. JAB is a member of WCAI and is active in the Emerging Markets Committee and the 3.65 GHz Working Group.

We asked JAB founder Jeff Kohler about the challenges of consolidating so many companies in so little time. “It takes a lot of experience and capital to execute a plan like this, and you can’t rely only on acquisitions for growth. Organic growth must be equally as strong.” JAB’s executive management team has extensive experience in capital formation and consolidations in the communications industry, and with wireless Internet they say the same fundamental disciplines apply: make accretive acquisitions in your geography, compete with a good product, and take care of your customers. Of JAB’s 250+ employees, almost all have come from the acquisitions.

Operating in unlicensed last mile spectrum, JAB has found that using the latest generation equipment, licensed backhaul, and buying out the competition has allowed the company to operate virtually interference free. They have recently deployed 3.65 WiMAX in its markets.

When asked why JAB had not applied for broadband stimulus money, Kohler replied “for several reasons, but mostly because our strategy works and making accommodations for this particular program is a potential roadblock to executing our business plan.”

For more information on the company please visit www.jabwireless.com, and its operating company websites www.skybeam.com and www.digis.net.

WCAI’s GDC to Hold a Webinar on Spectrum Policy in Latin America

Those interested in learning from experts about spectrum policy issues facing Latin America today can’t miss a FREE WCAI webinar on Friday, Feb. 26 at 11 am (U.S. Eastern Time).

The webinar will focus on several countries in the region, with special emphasis on Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. The speakers will outline options for effective service rules for the 2.6 GHz and other bands, as well as the challenges of reforming spectrum caps while ensuring appropriate competition policy.

The webinar will feature Allan Ingraham, Ph.D., Founder and Partner, Empiris, LLC and Wayne Leighton, Ph.D., Professor of Economics, Francisco Marroquín University, Guatemala and Partner, Empiris, LLC.

Organized by the WCAI’s Global Development Committee (GDC), the webinar is free of charge and open to all. For more information or to register, please visit the Webinar Registration Page or contact Susan Polyakova.