Service Stream to merge with TCI

In a joint statement released to the Australian Stock Exchange this morning, Service Stream and Total Communications Infrastructure (TCI) said the merger would create a company with some 2,000 local staff.

TCI specialises in technology deployments for telcos and others like energy utilities -- for example, it is currently deploying Austar's regional WiMAX network.

Service Stream also services the local telecommunications industry. For example, in March it signed a two-year deal with Telstra for installation and maintenance of services into customer premises.

The new entity will retain the Service Stream name, with current managing director and CEO Patrick Flannigan retaining his position. His equivalent at TCI Rod Stanton will move into an executive director of operations role, while "still maintaining operational control of the TCI business", according to the statement.