Cisco just announced yet another acquisition. The company announced its intent to acquire privately held Ubiquisys for $310 million in cash and employee retention incentives.

Ubiquisys provides 3G and LTE small-cell technologies, and Cisco says the pick-up will further reinforce its commitment to service providers and strengthen its mobility capabilities. In a blog post, Cisco’s Hilton Romanski writes:

The acquisition of Ubiquisys exemplifies Cisco’s innovation framework based on a build, buy and partner approach. The Ubiquisys acquisition also complements Cisco’s mobility strategy along with the recent acquisitions of BroadHop and Intucell, reinforcing in-house research and development, such as service provider Wi-Fi and licensed radio. These technologies will tie together the mobility architecture that leverages the intelligence of the network from the wireless edge of the network into the wired core.

As carriers around the world increase cellular data capacity to serve the rapidly growing population of smartphone and tablet users, adding small cells is one of the most cost-effective ways to multiply data capacity and make better use of scarce spectrum assets. Ubiquisys’ indoor small cells expertise and its focus on intelligent software for licensed 3G and LTE spectrum, coupled with Cisco’s mobility portfolio and its Wi-Fi expertise, will enable a comprehensive small cell solution to service providers that supports the transition to next generation radio access networks.

“Cisco is ‘doubling down’ on its small cell business to accelerate strong momentum and growth in the mobility market,” said Kelly Ahuja, SVP and GM of Cisco Mobility Business Group. “By acquiring Ubiquisys, we are expanding on our current mobility leadership and our end-to-end product portfolio, which includes integrated, licensed and unlicensed small cell solutions that are tightly coupled with SON, backhaul, and the mobile packet core. For service providers, Ubiquisys supports cost effective coverage and capacity that delivers a differentiated customer experience.”

The Ubiquisys team and portfolio will be integrated into Cisco’s Small Cell Technology Group, led by Partho Mishra. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Cisco’s fiscal year 2013.

Other recently announced acquisitions for Cisco include: Intucell, Cognitive Security, SolveDirect, and BroadHop.