Cogent started operations in 1999. Since then, it has dynamically expanded and become a top five global service provider in over 110 major markets in 24 countries.

Cogent began construction of a network optimised for data traffic and launched service in four initial U.S. markets in 2000. That same year, major telcos announced for the first time ever that global networks carried more data traffic than voice traffic. Cogent was perfectly positioned to step into this growth market. Today we are rapidly becoming one of the largest carriers of data traffic in the world.


Acquisition History

Although debuting at the height of the telecom industry, Cogent soon found vast market wealth eradicated and many other ISPs thrown into a state of turmoil. In a survival of the fittest competition, Cogent became the consolidator in a consolidating market. Over three brief years, Cogent completed 13 acquisitions of other flailing providers. Whether it was an entire company or just select assets, Cogent was able to acquire valuable network assets, customers, peering relationships, and building access agreements for pennies on the dollar.

Among Cogent's 13 acquisitions to date include three of the original generation Internet service providers who were pioneers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These companies-PSINet (originally Performance Systems International), NetRail, and Aleron (originally AGIS/Net99)-were the earliest providers of commercial Internet service. While these first generation ISPs made great contributions to the rapid growth and success of the Internet, their business models and networks could not keep pace with technology and market demands.

Other strategic acquisitions include assets from: Allied Riser, OnSite Access, Fiber City, Fiber Network Solutions, Applied Theory, LambdaNet France and Spain, Carrier1, Unlimited Fiber Optics, Global Access, NTT/Verio.

Geographic Expansion History

Cogent aims to serve top tier markets where connectivity demands are highest.

At the end of 2000, Cogent launched service in just four U.S. cities. In 2001, Cogent completed the network roll out to 20 major U.S. cities. The next year, Cogent expanded its network into Toronto, Canada, and also began offering Off-Net (T1/T3) services in more than 30 new markets.

In 2004, Cogent crossed the Atlantic into Europe. Cogent currently serves over 60 European markets and now offers Layer 2 Point-to-Point services across its international network. Cogent's successful geographic expansion at such a rapid pace has been, in large part, due to its ability to surgically acquire the network assets needed most from financially troubled companies.


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