Canadian rural fixed-wireless broadband provider Xplornet Communications has entered into an agreement for the purchase of NetSet Communications’ internet business, in a deal scheduled to close on 31 October 2017. Brandon-based NetSet provides fixed-wireless broadband access throughout Manitoba province, and has recently upgraded its network with TD-LTE technology. Xplornet will maintain the NetSet brand name and retain ‘virtually all’ NetSet’s employees and business operations in Brandon and Winnipeg, its press release said, adding that it will complement NetSet’s existing services by further expanding its Manitoban wireless internet footprint, as well as adding new products including satellite internet, home phone, and Xplornet’s upcoming Manitoban mobile service set for launch in 2018 (courtesy of mobile spectrum and customers transferred to Xplornet as a consequence of Bell Canada’s takeover of Manitoba Telecom Services [MTS, now Bell MTS]).
Xplornet – which serves customers in every Canadian province and territory – says that the NetSet acquisition is its largest to date, and accelerates the group’s expansion across Western Canada. Allison Lenehan, CEO of Xplornet, highlighted synergies from the merger: ‘We believe our customers share much in common. Like Xplornet, NetSet’s customers live in rural and remote communities and just outside of major centres. We are committed to continuing the proud legacy that NetSet has established in the Province of Manitoba.’