Mobile Network Builder BAI Communications Shifts Global HQ to UK

Mobile infrastructure firm BAI Communications (BAI), which is in the process of rebranding to Boldyn Networks (here) and has deployed several “neutral host” style 4G and 5G mobile broadband networks in the UK (i.e. mobile operators buy access via wholesale), has announced that they will establish their new global HQ in London.

The company is behind a number of big digital infrastructure projects, such as introducing full mobile connectivity to the world’s largest wind farm (Hornsea 2 – located approximately 89km (55 miles) off the Yorkshire coast in the North Sea), rolling out full fibre cables across numerous London boroughs and deploying a new mobile network on the London Underground (tube trains, stations etc.).

But as announced earlier this year, BAI is in the process of centralising all of their existing brands (e.g. BAI, Mobilitie, Signal Point Systems, Transit Wireless, Vilicom and ZenFi Networks) and aims to begin operating officially as Boldyn Networks from the end of June 2023. The company is now eyeing significant expansion, particularly across North America and Europe, and has decided to establish its global HQ in London.

In the UK alone, the company has multiplied its workforce by 10 in the last two years and created close to 800 direct and indirect jobs, as it continues its anticipated investment of over £1 billion across the life of its concession with Transport for London (TfL).

Igor Leprince, Group CEO of Boldyn Networks, said:

“Establishing our headquarters in the UK marks the start of an exciting new journey as we begin operating as Boldyn Networks. Being based in one of the world’s leading economies will allow us to accelerate our growth plans and further boost opportunities for our customers and for highly skilled experts who want to be part of our ongoing global expansion.

We believe the neutral host model is the answer to building an interconnected future which supports operators, cities, and governments in deploying connectivity in the most efficient and sustainable way, creating a smarter, safer future.”

Kemi Badenoch, Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, said:

“Bringing international companies and multi-million-dollar investment into the UK is one of my top priorities, and this announcement will help our plan to grow the UK economy and create jobs.

Having Boldyn Networks’ global HQ come to the UK is a great boost for our ambitions to support businesses across the UK with access to advanced high-speed connectivity and the wider economic benefits this brings.”

Just to recap on that 20-year concession deal with TfL. The shared infrastructure operator is building a backbone of new fibre and wireless connectivity across London. This neutral host network will deliver 4G and 5G mobile connectivity across the London Underground, providing customers with access to high-speed coverage in 137 stations, platforms, and 400kms of tunnels. The concession includes building and operating the emergency services network in the tube.

The same network will also utilise TfL’s streetscapes, including lampposts, and bus shelters to drive improvements in street level mobile connectivity and smart city applications such as traffic and air quality management. This project already represents 1.3 million hours of work in the capital city.

The company also has a 20-year partnership with Sunderland City Council to build a 5G advanced wireless infrastructure, creating the “UK’s most advanced smart city“. It is providing an extensive public Wi-Fi network and working on the development of smart sensors for safer roads, and pilots around ‘smart fill bins’, among other things.