Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE . . .
Catalyst Investors Announces$10 Million Investment in Oneida Broadband, LLC
New York, New York - - March 1, 2006 - Catalyst Investors announced today that, together with Northwood Ventures, it has invested an initial $10 million to form Oneida Broadband, LLC. Based in New York City, Oneida will provide broadband wireless solutions throughout the United States. A portion of the proceeds was used to fund the acquisition of Broadband Radio Service ("BRS") wireless licenses from Orion Broadcasting Systems, Inc., in Atlantic City, NJ.
Oneida Chairman, former FCC Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth said, "The advent of truly broadband wireless access will dramatically change the communications landscape. The BRS spectrum band uniquely offers the amount of bandwidth we will require to offer these spectrum-intensive next-generation wireless services. Because of their long and successful track records in a wide variety of spectrum and wireless investments, we are delighted to have Catalyst and Northwood as our partners."
Oneida CEO Bill Wilson added, "We believe that Oneida will be the dominant holder of 2.5 GHz band spectrum in front of 15% of the US population. The support of Catalyst and Northwood, together with that of other investors they have brought along, provides Oneida with the fuel to achieve this goal in 2006."
"We are excited about the growth prospects for broadband wireless services," said Tyler Newton, Principal at Catalyst Investors. "With the imminent advent of 4G wireless technology, Oneida customers will have the ability to access high bandwidth data services such as video, streaming audio, multiplayer games and business applications outside of the home and office on a variety of devices. Catalyst already has a number of investments in the broadband wireless sector and Oneida's strategy is a great fit with our overall vision."
Peter Schiff, President of Northwood Ventures noted: "After the better
part of two decades of looking at -- and passing on – investment opportunities
in the 2.5 GHz band, we are excited at Oneida's prospects. We share management's
vision that recent regulatory changes, the large presence of Sprint in the
2.5 GHz band, and the near-term implementation of 4G systems make Oneida
the right company in the right places at the
right time."
Curtis Securities, LLC of Philadelphia, PA represented Oneida on these transactions.
About Catalyst Investors
Based in New York City, Catalyst Investors provides equity capital to private companies in the media, communications and related Internet services industries. Catalyst focuses on growth areas within the middle market, investing $5 million to $30 million alongside management teams to fund expansion, acquisitions or recapitalizations. In addition to capital, Catalyst brings extensive industry experience and a broad network of relationships to each investment. (http://www.catalystinvestors.com)
About Northwood Ventures
Founded in 1983 as a source of equity financing for privately held companies, Northwood Ventures currently manages over $100 million. Northwood has invested in over 150 companies since its inception and has participated in the creation and growth of leading companies in the telecommunications, retailing/consumer and manufacturing sectors. (http://www.northwoodventures.com)
About Oneida Broadband, LLC
Founded in 2005, Oneida Broadband, LLC was formed to acquire radio spectrum licenses in the 2.5 GHz band and to build and operate broadband wireless access networks. (http://www.oneidacom.com).
