Planet Tel buys Via IP in Aussie integration push

Planet Tel has signalled a strategic focus on ICT integration with the purchase of Australian telco wholesaler Via IP.

The North Sydney-based services provider acquired Via IP on 8 July, giving it control of a company founded in 1998. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed and both companies will operate independently.

Both companies are talking up their services credentials, with Planet Tel saying the move is part of its strategy to "focus on the ICT integration market".

Via IP gives Planet Tel a wholesale arm, including a nationwide MPLS network, hosted voice, network computing and managed services.

Planet Tel offers "whole-of-business ICT solutions" including managed services, voice, data and Internet, mobility and cloud services.

Managing director of Planet Tel, Gary Sue Fong, said in a statement, "We will be in a better position to provide a wider range of products and services that we develop, own and manage."

The acquisition also means a channel focus for Via IP.

"This strategic direction enables Via IP to accelerate its position in the wholesale provider market with a range of exciting new products and services set to be released in Q3 2014," said founder and managing director of Via IP, Heath Donald.

Together, the companies lay claim to expertise servicing government, not-for-profit and enterprise, both directly and through partners.

Planet Tel was founded in 2009 and lists Malaysia Airlines, Hunter Holden and China Airlines among its customers.

Via IP is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner, as well as a partner with Cisco, EMC and Fortinet, Polycom, Veeam and VMware. Its suppliers include Megaport, AAPT, Equinix, Global Switch, Newlease, Nextgen, NTT Communications, TPG, Vocus Communications, Telstra Wholesale and Amcom, among others.