BAI announces Titan ICT acquisition, Telstra connectivity deal

Shared infrastructure specialist BAI Communications has signed an agreement to acquire Titan ICT, a communications engineering company specialising in dedicated networks for the mining, resources and energy industries. Expected to close in the fourth quarter of this calendar year, the acquisition will further BAI’s vision to become a trusted provider of telecommunications solutions.

Since its founding in 2003, Titan ICT has delivered a host of bespoke, high-performance communications networks and mission-critical ICT solutions to its mining and energy customers. The acquisition expands the service offering that BAI and Titan ICT can provide to the private mobile network sector and operational communications networks, combining BAI’s access to spectrum, financial strength and track record in managing mission-critical networks with Titan ICT’s market positioning, capability, and experience in designing and building networks.

“Titan ICT is a respected and high-performing player in the Australian market, with deep capability in LTE, microwave, IP and radio networks and longstanding customer relationships,” said BAI CEO Peter Lambourne.

“This acquisition is an important step forward in BAI’s growth strategy, complementing our existing communications infrastructure and services expertise. It positions us perfectly to support the increasing demand for private mobile networks and operational connectivity from businesses in the mining, resources and energy industries, plus others looking to harness the very significant benefits of increased worker safety and automation.”

Chris Upstone, Managing Director of Titan ICT, added, “We are very excited about joining BAI Communications. The natural alignment between our businesses unlocks a range of opportunities to extend the services and support that we are providing our customers, positioning us to increase scale and leadership in the delivery of mission-critical connectivity.

“BAI’s heritage, proven track record for delivery and prioritisation of service make for a natural fit. Combining Titan ICT’s established reputation and relationships around Australia and our expertise in deployment of operational networks with BAI’s capital capability creates the perfect platform to capture the increasing private mobile network growth opportunity.”

The news comes after BAI last month signed an agreement with Telstra for in-building connectivity, assisting the telco with enhancing its communication network in venues, public spaces and other built environments to meet the ever-increasing capacity needs of mobile users.

Under the 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 awarded licensed 3.8 GHz spectrum in major metropolitan centres across the country, BAI says it is able to offer an integrated, cost-effective network deployment.

“The execution of this agreement is a significant achievement,” said Ashley Hunter, Executive – Wireless Engineering, Telstra. “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.”

Elyssa Rollinson, Chief Commercial Officer at BAI, added, “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.”

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