Viper Networks Rebrands as 0Wire

Viper Networks announced the beginning of its strategic rebranding effort. The company and its subsidiaries will – among other corporate actions – adopt the name 0Wire (“Zero-Wire”). With this change, 1stPoint Communications’ assets will be split into two strategic operating companies. 

An existing entity will be renamed 0Wire Communications, and will operate key telco assets in the U.S. and eastern Caribbean. The new 0Wire Hosting entity, meanwhile, will operate the company’s technology hosting portfolio. Additionally, a 0Wire Wholesale subsidiary will refocus wholesale services on newer and higher-growth opportunities, including 5G roaming and messaging, while continuing to develop the wholesale voice market. 0Wire’s additional subsidiaries will operate as 0Wire Energy, and focus on addressing smart city and renewable energy projects in the U.S. and Sri Lanka. 

 “We have undertaken this rebranding effort in order to better align with the company’s Everything Wireless Telecom+Energy strategy,” said company CEO, Erik Levitt. “The Everything Wireless strategy consists of five key pillars: Over-the-Top Technologies (“OTT”), Mobility, Fixed Wireless, Smart City and Renewable Energy Generation. “We continue to see very strong growth in our OTT business and there is industry-wide recognition that we are a leader in the messaging market. We will continue to develop these technologies while we shift longer-term investment toward mobility and fixed wireless.” 

During the last fiscal year the company completed the deployment of 108 smart poles and Apollo smart lights in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The initial deployment was a pilot project for future, larger and more complex installations. 

“Management is now evaluating follow-on projects with key constituents in the market,” said company chairman, Farid Shouekani. “We look forward to growing the recognition of the 0Wire brand as a market leader in smart city deployment.” 

Management elected to begin the rebranding effort with the telecommunications division because of its strategic importance, as well as the lack of a need for regulatory approvals. 

“Due to regulatory requirements, certain corporate actions such as name changes, can take several months to complete,” said Levitt. “We hope to complete the process at the corporate level during the next three quarters.”