By Scott Drossos, CEO, Higher Education, Boldyn Networks, US, and Christos Karmis, CEO of Boldyn Networks, US

In May, Boldyn Networks acquired Apogee Inc, marking a pivotal moment for both our companies and the higher education sector. Four months in, we’re excited to share how this partnership is elevating the student technology experience.

As highlighted in recent findings from our Student Connectivity survey, “Top of the Class or Failing Grade”, student expectations for reliable and high-speed campus connectivity are similar to their expectations for academics and safety. According to the study, nearly 9 in 10 students expect a flawless on campus connectivity experience. That is why we’re doubling down on our commitment to help colleges and universities deliver exceptional digital experiences that keep students connected and engaged.

At Apogee, we’ve spent the last 25 years building a reputation as the premier provider of managed Wi-Fi, campus networks, and IT services for higher education. With Boldyn’s global expertise in advanced cellular solutions and infrastructure, we now offer even more comprehensive solutions to campuses. This merger has bolstered our ability to support higher education institutions in meeting the increasing demand for seamless, high-capacity connectivity.

The 4Cs of a Great Merger: Culture, Customers, Capabilities, and Communication

The key to a successful merger is not just financial gain but achieving true synergy between two organizations. We believe in the “4Cs” that are essential to this success: Culture, Customers, Capabilities, and Communication.

Culture: The foundation of any successful merger is a shared culture. From the beginning, we recognized the alignment of values between Apogee and Boldyn, especially in our customer-first philosophy. Apogee has long embraced the phrase “We wear your colors,” and Boldyn has enthusiastically adopted this mindset. Together, our teams are more dedicated than ever to creating tailored solutions for each institution.

Customers: The merger enhances our ability to serve clients by bringing Boldyn’s innovations, from smart campus solutions to hybrid networks, into Apogee’s portfolio. This means improved tools and technologies that elevate the student experience, boost engagement, and enhance operational efficiency across campuses.

Capabilities: Combining Apogee’s managed services expertise with Boldyn’s infrastructure solutions opens new possibilities. Our expanded portfolio offers comprehensive services, from reliable Wi-Fi and private 5G networks to high-capacity infrastructure—equipping universities to tackle challenges like scaling IT services, bandwidth demands, and advanced cybersecurity.

Communication: Transparent communication has been the glue holding this transition together. By keeping our teams engaged and informed, we ensure they remain connected to our shared mission, allowing them to better support our clients during this transformative time.

Looking Ahead

Together, Apogee and Boldyn Networks are redefining higher education technology, providing innovative and customized solutions tailored to the unique needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s institutions. We are excited for this journey and are dedicated to delivering even greater value to our clients, creating exceptional digital experiences that empower colleges and universities to thrive in a dynamic digital landscape.