NextG Networks, a San Jose, Calif., developer of fiber-optic distributed-antenna systems for wireless communications, raised $49.8 million in a third funding round. Investors included Oak Investment Partners and Gabriel Venture Partners.
The company essentially provides small, geographically distributed antennae linked by fiber networks that are designed to fill the gaps left by huge cellphone towers in an "aesthetic" fashion that won't generate community opposition. NextG says it acts as a "carrier's carrier," routing traffic from larger providers into and out of its special-coverage areas.