Verizon Communications is in talks to acquire the 1,200km Chicago-based fibre-optic network belonging to cable operator Wide Open West (WOW!) for more than USD200 million, Reuters reports, citing people familiar with the matter. The sources noted that negotiations could still fall apart, and another buyer could still emerge for the asset.
It is understood that Verizon currently uses the Chicago fibre grid for backhaul purposes, and while the two parties are under a long-term contract, WOW! is considering offloading the infrastructure due to the lack of business customers actively using the fibre.