Type Private Fate No longer operating Founded 1998 | Industry Telecommunications Headquarters Brussels, Belgium Parent organization Comcast | |
Area served Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Czech Republic Key people Declan Ganley
Ryan Wren (CEO)
Joseph J. Euteneuer (CFO) Owner Comcast Corporation, European Telcom Holdings | ||
Broadnet Holdings BV ("Broadnet") was the holding company of the Broadnet group of companies. Broadnet assembled a portfolio of wireless broadband internet licences in Europe in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The company marketed its services to other businesses.
Contents
Beginnings
The genesis of Broadnet dates back to 1996, when the Irish entrepreneur Declan Ganley began purchasing wireless spectrum licences though his company European Telecoms Holdings. In 1998, Comcast Corporation invested funds and Broadnet Holdings BV was formed.
Following the Comcast investment, Comcast owned 62.5% of the firm and European Telcoms Holdings owned the remaining 37.5%.
Technology
The company provided broadband internet using wireless spectrum in the 20.8 GHz frequency. The company used radio equipment manufactured by Lucent and Alcatel to establish point-to-point connections. The signal was broadcast from radios located on towers or building rooftops. Customer facilities would have a smaller radio transmitter.
Licence Acquisition
By 2000 it obtained spectrum licences in Germany, France, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal and Norway.
It also obtained licences in Austria, Switzerland and Greater London. It established companies in other countries for the purpose of bidding on licences, but it was not always successful. Broadnet bid for a licence in Ireland but was beaten by Eircom. Broadnet sued the telecoms regulator that awarded the licences, but settled.
Operations
Broadnet launched operations in Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Norway and the Czech Republic. Some other markets had network infrastructure for regulatory purposes, but were never commercially launched.
Purchase by Comcast
Broadnet considered raising around $1bn to roll out broadband services via a flotation or private placing, but did not do so. Comcast bought out European Telcom Holding's Share to become the sole owner .
In 2002, Comcast began divesting of its stake. It closed the Brussels headquarters and Broadnet Germany was acquired by Mediascape.