Zayo Expands E-Rate Business Through Education Networks of America Acquisition

Zayo announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Nashville-based Education Networks of America (ENA), a provider of managed network services to the education and public sector verticals. ENA targets K-12, higher education, healthcare, library, and government organizations with a variety of network services, specializing in E-Rate funded programs. E-Rate is a program funded through the Universal Service Fund, providing funding to school systems and libraries for connectivity and other technology. ENA has a national reach. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The pandemic significantly raised the awareness of school and library connectivity, and equitable access to students regardless of location or income. That awareness led to a dramatic increase in funding targeting the education market, culminating with the $7.2 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund. Technically a different program than E-Rate, the Emergency Connectivity Fund was built on the E-Rate program but extended connectivity and equipment benefits to students’ and library patron’s homes. E-Rate focuses on funding for actual school and library facilities.