Contrivian to merge with Big Network in LEO-focused deal

Contrivian has agreed to merge with Big Network in a deal that combines software for edge connectivity and transport control across hybrid networks, including fibre, broadband, LTE/5G and low Earth orbit satellite.

The combined business will operate under the Contrivian name. The transaction remains subject to standard closing procedures.

Both companies sell connectivity software for organisations that need predictable network performance across multiple access types. The merger centres on integrating Big Network's multi-WAN and edge connectivity software into Contrivian's Lighthouse platform, which measures network conditions and selects paths across available circuits.

Platform integration

Contrivian plans to incorporate Big Network's ethernet transport-layer functions into Lighthouse, extending traffic orchestration closer to the edge and improving failover across connections.

Lighthouse continuously measures network conditions and routes traffic based on what it observes. Contrivian also sells North Star, a separate platform for centralised visibility and lifecycle management across global deployments.

Big Network develops software for edge deployments that require resilient multi-WAN connectivity. Its products include static IP continuity over satellite and wireless networks, access to remote IT infrastructure, and transparent Layer 2 services.

The companies said the integration is relevant for government and other public sector operations that rely on mixed connectivity. Agencies commonly use combinations of fixed and wireless links, including fibre, commercial broadband, cellular connections and satellite. In these environments, performance consistency can become a larger issue than basic availability, particularly during disasters or periods of infrastructure disruption.

Hybrid failover

Contrivian said the combined platform supports real-time failover and path control across terrestrial and satellite networks, reacting to congestion and deteriorating links before applications experience noticeable service degradation.

These approaches typically combine monitoring, policy decisions and automated switching between paths. They also raise questions about how organisations prioritise traffic across links and maintain operational visibility when circuits come from multiple providers.

Grant Kirkwood, Contrivian's Chief Executive, said the merger would extend the company's reach further into network control. "The merger deepens our control at the network layer," he said. "We are not just combining access types. We are orchestrating multi-modal connectivity with new intelligence. The result is a unified, software-defined architecture that protects application performance across fiber, wireless and LEO satellite. It enables Contrivian to serve the strictest requirements in networking and support mission-critical applications and services. We're excited to welcome the Big Network team and build the next phase of Contrivian together."

The merger also defines future roles for Big Network's leadership. Tom Daly, currently president and CEO of Big Network, will join the Contrivian board and become principal technologist.

"Big Network was built to solve real-world edge challenges at scale," Daly said. "Integrating our platform with Contrivian's architecture allows us to deliver deeper transport intelligence and more predictable connectivity outcomes across fiber, wireless, and satellite networks. This is massive in the market, and we look forward to innovating together with the Contrivian team."

LEO focus

Contrivian highlighted low Earth orbit satellite as a growing part of hybrid connectivity planning. LEO services are increasingly used for remote sites and resilience, particularly where terrestrial links can be interrupted. Contrivian expects more LEO constellations to become commercially available and positioned the merged platform as a way to manage multiple satellite networks within a single software framework.

The companies did not disclose financial terms. They also did not provide an expected closing date, integration milestones, or details on potential changes to customer contracts.

Contrivian serves public sector agencies, healthcare providers, energy operators, financial institutions and other organisations that require stable connectivity. Big Network has focused on networking software for edge deployments with multiple access options.

Kirkwood is also the founder of Mzima Networks and Unitas Global. Contrivian said he is available to discuss the role of real-time multi-access failover in public safety and emergency response, the use of "self-healing" networking approaches for critical infrastructure, and how hybrid connectivity plans may evolve as LEO adoption expands.