(Telecompaper) Verizon Communications has bought the fibre-optic network assets of WideOpenWest (Wow!) in the Chicago area for USD 225 million. The deal includes an additional investment by Wow! of USD 50 million into the Chicago network by the second half of 2018. The money will provide backhaul services to over 500 macro-cell wireless site and over 500 small-cell wireless sites. The Chicago network already connects Verizon Wireless macro towers and small cells, and the acquisition will reduce Verizon's leasing costs.