Subsea service provider Aqua Comms has acquired Openbyte Infrastructure, an India-based licensed telecom company that provides neutral, open access landing solutions for submarine cables.
With submarine cables key to international telecommunications and data infrastructure, the two companies share a vision to make the benefits of such investments accessible to all in a neutral and cost effective manner.
Key to the acquisition is the appointment of Amit Vyas as CEO, India and Regional Chief Business Development Officer for Aqua Comms. Vyas will be supported by Neeraj Katiyar, CTO, India and Chief Global Architect for Subsea Cables, who will be responsible for the technical aspects of regional projects.
Vyas comments: “I’m absolutely delighted to join the team at Aqua Comms who share our vision. Over the next five to seven years, the international digital infrastructure in India will be greatly enhanced and we at Aqua Comms will be at the forefront of bringing out this change for the better.
Nigel Bayliff, CEO at Aqua Comms adds: “This is an important acquisition as we continue to execute our plans to expand the Aqua Comms business into new geographies and as we build out our global network. Amit and Neeraj are well recognised industry professionals and bring with them rich global experience, particularly in India, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. We welcome them to the Aqua Comms family and look forward to doing some great work together.”
Alan Harper, Chairman of Aqua Comms concludes: “Aqua Comms’ goal is to address the needs of its customers by investing in global subsea infrastructure and this acquisition will help to establish it as a leader in providing global subsea capacity, whilst retaining the core principle of neutrality in its service offering. With our investment in EMIC-1, we are committed to the Indian market, a cornerstone of our ambitious global expansion plans. I’m excited for future developments as we continue to expand across this region and beyond.”
