Dense Air Networks To Be Acquired by Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners

Dense Air Networks builds and operates wireless infrastructure as a service, transforming the economics of connectivity and delivering to unserved and underserved communities the same capDense Air Networks is proud to announce that it will be acquired by Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP), the company pioneering technology-enabled sustainable and inclusive infrastructure. This move will accelerate Dense Air’s mission of expanding connectivity with wireless infrastructure as a service.

Dense Air is pleased to announce that it has reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP). The company will operate within SIP’s CoFi innovation platform, which aims to make connectivity more open, shared, and inclusive through public-private partnerships (P3s). With Dense Air’s spectrum assets, public-private partnerships, and track record of expanding connectivity, this acquisition will accelerate Dense Air’s mission of providing cost-effective 4G and 5G solutions and densifying and extending mobile networks to support a range of use cases, including enhanced mobile broadband, IoT, public safety, first responder networks, and remote learning.

SIP’s CoFi platform focuses on building shared wireless infrastructure, in partnership with cities, that provides better economics for broadband carriers and better connectivity for users. Today’s broadband can be improved using recent technological advances, including improvements to radio access networks (RANs), the introduction of open standards, virtualization and software-defined networking. Taken together, these technologies can help create ubiquitous, shared, ‘neutral host’ infrastructure. Instead of carriers fighting to build networks atop networks and benefitting only those already connected, CoFi believes that this infrastructure of the future can deliver value to all stakeholders while advancing broadband access equity.

Dense Air builds, owns, and operates secure and shared “small cell” networks that efficiently enhance and extend the traditional “macro” networks built by incumbent mobile network operators. Small cells, deployed discreetly on streetlights or rooftops, provide high-speed, high-performance cellular coverage over hundreds or thousands of feet. A small cell network supports better coverage closer to the user, complementing macro cells by easing network congestion and reaching areas where macro service deteriorates. 

Dense Air’s unique technology allows multiple network operators to securely share the same infrastructure, driving down costs for service providers and municipalities alike while delivering high-speed connectivity—an approach congruent with CoFi’s shared ‘neutral host’ infrastructure. Dense Air’s small cell network makes it more efficient for multiple carriers to operate in underserved areas, securely sharing the resources of a single small cell. It’s a solution that improves the economics of deployment and operations for carriers, reduces the total infrastructure needs, and ultimately gives consumers more choices. 

“Ubiquitous connectivity is crucial for modern life,” said Jonathan Winer, co-CEO of SIP. “By expanding internet access and opening up previously uncompetitive markets in partnership with new and existing service providers, we can give consumers more seamless and affordable coverage. We look forward to partnering with service providers, local governments, and other stakeholders to understand the unique needs of each community in which we operate. Like every other type of infrastructure, broadband has no one-size-fits-all solution.”

“The densification of cellular networks to complete the rollout of gigabit 5G services is an immense global challenge, both technically and commercially,” said Paul Senior, founder and CEO of Dense Air. “Our unique shared infrastructure enables communities and carriers to build future-proof radio networks that are economically attractive and help solve digital divide problems that plague today’s 5G network builds. For mobile network operators, Dense Air’s technology enables efficient, economically-attractive, and robust network enhancement and extension. When paired with the CoFi P3 model, our technology becomes a powerful tool for closing the digital divide through community-centered, sustainable fixed wireless networks.”

SIP and Dense Air will soon announce an inaugural US-based project that involves partnering with cities to increase coverage of high-speed wireless connectivity, with a focus on expanding access for typically underserved communities, such as students without connectivity at home.

About Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP):

Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners (SIP) pioneers technology-enabled infrastructure that is more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. SIP’s innovation platforms combine differentiated technology with precedent-setting infrastructure projects to address critical societal needs. SIP leverages strategic and flexible capital and resources from its partner network of the leading authorities in technology (Alphabet) and infrastructure (OTPP).
For more information, visit www.sidewalkinfra.com.

About Dense Air: 

Dense Air builds and operates unique “carrier of carriers” neutral host small cell wireless infrastructure services to solve connectivity challenges for existing network operators and extend their mobile networks. Through innovative public-private partnerships with cities, Dense Air delivers cost-effective 4G and 5G solutions to support a range of use cases with a single secure RAN infrastructure, including enhanced mobile broadband, IoT, public safety, first responder networks, and remote learning.