Landmark Australian outcome for in-building connectivity
BAI Communications (BAI) has signed a connection agreement with Telstra, Australia’s largest mobile network operator, for in-building connectivity. BAI, a leading communications infrastructure provider, is now in the position to bring independent shared network solutions to the Australian market.
Australians expect reliable connectivity everywhere they live, work, travel and play. Communication networks in venues, public spaces and other built environments often need to be enhanced to provide future-proofing to ensure comprehensive coverage and to meet the ever-increasing capacity needs of mobile users. BAI has a long heritage of managing ‘always on’ communications networks and is proud to partner with Telstra, venue and property owners to assist them in providing high quality infrastructure to serve these connectivity needs. In‑building infrastructure is more efficient to provide when it is shared by multiple parties, serving multiple technology needs, including all mobile network operators (MNOs), public safety network owners and other users, such as tenants.
Under this agreement, Telstra will connect to BAI-owned DAS (distributed antenna system) infrastructure, which BAI will design, build, monitor and maintain as the DAS infrastructure operator, taking on the role traditionally assigned to a lead carrier. In addition to public cellular services, BAI can deliver holistic connectivity solutions which may include public safety networks and operational systems such as two-way radio, private 5G networks, Wi-Fi or IoT solutions. Having been successfully awarded licenced 3.8GHz spectrum in major metropolitan centres across the country, BAI is able to offer an integrated, cost-effective network deployment.
“The execution of this agreement is a significant achievement. We’re excited about the opportunities it opens for closer cooperation and collaboration between Telstra and BAI, and for the ability to further extend reliable indoor mobile connectivity and capacity to Telstra customers in more places than ever before.” said Ashley Hunter, Executive – Wireless Engineering, Telstra.
BAI is an ideal partner to Telstra, having the ability to fund and manage in-building coverage (IBC) services in large scale projects such as stadiums, large venues and commercial buildings. BAI is a reliable, experienced partner that specialises in the management of large, critically important networks around the country such as national TV and radio broadcast networks and the Public Safety Network in NSW (on behalf of NSW Telco Authority). Together, Telstra and BAI can meet the future needs of venue and property groups including innovation of new technologies and upgrade paths.
“We look forward to working in partnership with Telstra, and the leading property and venue owners in Australia, to provide future-ready connectivity experiences in public spaces. We also look forward to being a trusted ‘partner of choice’ in the market with a solution which meets the needs of all operators,” said Elyssa Rollinson, Chief Commercial Officer, BAI Communications.
BAI’s model builds upon the shared infrastructure solutions successfully deployed in 300+ venues across the Northern Hemisphere by its sister company, Boldyn Networks.
