Google pays $400 million for wireless internet provider ICOA (correction: no it didn't)
Google made another grab for its internet infrastructure, this time picking up wireless hotspot company ICOA for the sum of $400 million. From the deal, the internet giant will control around 1,500 wired and wireless broadband locales in "high-traffic" public spaces, including airports, restaurants and universities, spread across 45 US states. Google will presumably be running these public WiFi spots in addition to its current deal with Boingo -- and in addition to those 180 fiberhoods.
Correction: Looks like reports of the acquisition were false, as AllThingsD is now reporting, and we've been able to independently confirm that Google has not bought ICOA.
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ICOA Inc. Acquired by Google for $400 Million
ICOA, Inc. is a national provider of wireless and wired broadband Internet networks in high-traffic public locations.
ICOA Has Been Acquired by Google for $400 Million
Warwick, RI (PRWEB) November 26, 2012
Google has announced its acquisition of ICOA Inc. A provider of Wi-Fi to high traffic public locations. ICOA is a leading vertically integrated, neutral-host broadband wireless Internet network provider. Their suite of services and solutions power the unique requirements of high-traffic public locations such as airports, marinas, restaurants and more, while also providing back office solutions for hotspot operators and wireless service providers. Google looks to further diversify it's already impressive portfolio of companies.
ICOA, Inc. is a national provider of wireless and wired broadband Internet networks in high-traffic public locations. ICOA provides design, installation, operation, maintenance and management of WI-FI hot-spot and hot-zone Internet access. Based in Warwick, Rhode Island,
ICOA owns or operates broadband access installations in high-traffic locations across 40 states, located in airports, quick-service restaurants, hotels and motels, travel plazas, marinas etc. ICOA networks are compatible with widely-used 802.11x technology and with virtually all Internet service providers. Further information is at http://www.icoacorp.com.
