By Keerthi Ramesh
In a move poised to reshape federal network services, 22nd Century Technologies Inc. announced this week the completion of its acquisition of BT Federal Inc., and the official launch of 22nd Century Networks, a new subsidiary dedicated to advanced, secure networking solutions for mission-critical operations.
The acquisition marks a pivotal expansion for 22nd Century Technologies, a McLean-based government IT services provider with more than 6,000 employees and a portfolio of contracts spanning federal, state and local agencies. BT Federal, formerly the U.S. government contracting arm of British telecommunications giant BT Group, brings deep telecommunications expertise and nationwide reach into the fold, creating a broader platform capable of delivering integrated network and IT modernization services across all 50 states.
In remarks shared on LinkedIn, CEO Anil Sharma expressed pride in the company’s progress and gratitude for the collective effort this milestone represents. He described the expanded organization as equipped to deliver end-to-end, Zero Trust–enabled infrastructure that ensures resilience and continuity for customers operating in complex and distributed environments.
“We are strengthening our ability to secure, connect and sustain globally distributed environments from core command elements to forward and remote operations,” Sharma wrote, acknowledging the hard work of both 22nd Century Technologies and the new team members from BT Federal.
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Industry analysts say the transition builds on BT Federal’s legacy while enhancing offerings in network modernization, cybersecurity and tactical edge communications. By combining managed network services with digital transformation and cybersecurity capabilities, the new 22nd Century Networks subsidiary seeks to meet the evolving demands of federal clients who require secure, interoperable systems that can operate reliably under pressure.
For BT Group, divesting the BT Federal unit aligns with a broader strategic focus on its core UK business. The sale allows BT to simplify its international portfolio while enabling its federal division to grow under American ownership and leadership.
Employees and partners of 22nd Century Technologies have reacted positively to the announcement on social platforms. Many highlighted the cultural fit between the two organizations and the enhanced ability to deliver mission-ready infrastructure particularly at a time when federal agencies are prioritizing secure and adaptable networks.
Sharma’s post also emphasized continuity: ongoing operations, customer relationships and day-to-day execution will proceed uninterrupted as the newly named 22nd Century Networks becomes fully operational. This continuity, the CEO wrote, reflects a commitment not only to technological excellence but also to the people and missions that depend on it.
As 22nd Century Technologies enters this next chapter, the industry will be watching how the integration of BT Federal adds scope, scale and depth to its federal technology footprint.