Source: gigaom.com

Source: www.voip-news.com

When I say “snapped up,” it makes it sound like a bargain bin find, but let’s face it, when it comes to buying companies, I’m not sure there’s a bargain to be found, unless they’re in dire straits.  That being said, the Covad Communications Group, Inc., a well-known provider of voice and data communications, recently announced that they are going to be acquired by an affiliate of Platinum Equity in an all-cash deal.  I love it when they say “all cash,” because I immediately envision a briefcase stuffed to the gills with the cold, hard stuff, when that obviously isn’t the case.  Still, it’s fun to imagine!

Covad will be acquired for $1.02 a share, which represents a “59 percent premium to the closing price of Covad’s shares on October 26th, 2007,” so says their recent press release.

“After a careful and extensive review of our strategic alternatives, our Board of Directors has determined that the substantial premium to the current market price provided by this transaction offers the best value for our stockholders,” said Charles Hoffman, Covad President and CEO.  “Furthermore, Platinum’s approach will bolster the successful execution of Covad’s business strategy while providing the resources and support necessary for sustained growth.  We believe that the resulting increased market competitiveness, improved capital structure, and enhanced product and network capabilities best position our customers, partners, and employees for the future.”

Source: goebel.net

I always wondered about the power of Comunicano. That’s the marketing communications company of Andy Abramson, one of the most intesting bloggers in the VoIP industry. From some of his blog posts I already had gotten the vague feeling that he must be some kind of mastermind.

Many of my blog posts lead back to information that Comunicano spread. But I could realize that only recently, because Comunicano’s website is nearly empty. No press releases, no list of clients - while Andy, the company’s founder and head, is one of the most influential bloggers in the VoIP industry.

Some weeks ago I wrote how I feel about this situation:

Especially the VoIP area, which became a main focus of this blog, is dominated by blogs of entrepreneurs who have an interest in maximizing their profits. Luca, Andy, David, Alec, Pat and others run great websites, but there you will hardly find tipps on how to hack their companies’ services for free phone calls. They use their blog as a business tool.

Today I realized that my blog is full of Comunicano’s clients: Covad, Entriq, IntelePeer, iotum, Junction Networks, Mobivox, Nokia, PhoneGnome, SightSpeed, TalkPlus, Thomas Howe, Truphone, Voxalot and Vringo. Comunicano has set up a blog with their latest press releases and finally published their list of clients.

Thank you for this disclosure, Andy. I feel better now. It helps me to judge the posts on your blog which often are starting points for my own articles. I would have written these texts anyway because the topics were interesting. But it’s always better to know precisely who is feeding you an information.

Also now it’s easier to get first hand information about these companies without delay. Kudos to Comunicano for interesting and not annoying press relations so far!

I appreciate openness.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

ISP Planet has released it’s quarterly VoIP service provider ranking based on number of subscribers. There are a few changes to service providers like, Skype, Vonage, XO, and covad. Also some have left the list like, Skype, Vonage, XO,.

The rest of the list available here and the history of ranking is archived here.

Source: voipcentral.org

VoIP installation is a daunting task for the business enterprises. Various market surveys convey that a proper installation can bring effective VoIP services in a corporate networking. To avoid complex VoIP deployment process, here is a Do It Yourself option which not only eases complex VoIP deployment process but also brings effective communication in a business set-up.

US-based Covad, the leading broadband and VoIP service provider has developed the DIY (Do It Yourself) VoIP system collaborating with TalkSwitch.

The VoIP kit contains ClearEdge Integrated Access system of Covad and TalkSwitchs 480vs phone system to enables small business a better way to install their own VoIP system. It provides every normal features, services and supports to that of a VoIP Kit.

The striking feature of the DIY system is that it has the capability to handle up to 32 users for each location, so as the business expands, they need not to outgrow their phone system. Since it is self-installed, we do not need to seek vendors assistance frequently. The price starts at $459. It is now commercially available in the market.

Eric Weiss, CMO of Covad comments,

The Covad-TalkSwitch bundle enables small businesses to enjoy the benefits and reliability of a big business solution without the complexity or high cost. Small businesses are no longer forced to choose from expensive and complex enterprise systems or low-quality consumer-grade services.

Read

Source: voipcentral.org

Earthlink has partnered with Covad to extend its VoIP services to 8 more cities in America.

Under the deal, Earthlink will give Covad $50 million in debt and equity financing which will fund the extension of Covad’s line-powered voice access service enabling the alternative offering of Earthlink DSL and Home Phone Service instead of traditional or local phone companies to 8 more cities:

1) Atlanta,
2) Chicago,
3) Los Angeles,
4) Miami,
5) New York City,
6) Philadelphia,
7) San Diego and
Washington, D.C.

Currently Earthlink provides DSL and Home Phone Service in:

a) Dallas,
b) San Francisco,
c) San Jose and
d) Seattle.

Om Malik says that Earthlink needs to be more aggressive and I agree as well. I also agree that this is a great move indeed by both Earthlink and Covad as it is a win-win situation for both.

Read More in TMCNet.com