Motorola Makes Quantum Leap in Fiber Buy

Motorola was a contender for the Verizon list, but it didn't make the cut, says Telecom Pragmatics analyst Sam Greenholtz.

"So this makes a lot of sense. I can see it being a big positive for Motorola," says Greenholtz of the Quantum Bridge acquisition.

There are likely to be other optical opportunities for Motorola, say analysts.

"In wire-line technology, fiber will be one of the largest areas of capital spending, so I think they are targeting the right growth market," says Joanna Makris, an analyst at Adams Harkness & Hill.

Beyond the Bells, cable companies and smaller, independent telcos could also shop for fiber access gear, says Makris.

The challenge now for Motorola is to go "head on" with players such as Alcatel (ALA Quote) and AFC, which have better track records in that business, says Makris, who has a neutral rating on AFC. Adams Harkness has no underwriting ties to AFC or Motorola.

Quantum Bridge has several small customers, but analysts say the company lacked the leverage and balance sheet to win larger gigs. Signing on with Motorola was the "only way to get contracts at the Bells," says Makris.