BAI Communications closes ZenFi Networks buy

Australia-based infrastructure company BAI Communications (BAI) says it has closed its previously announced purchase of ZenFi Networks, which supplies network services on the U.S. East Coast, primarily in the New York/New Jersey area. ZenFi now becomes a BAI Group company as a result of the deal, the financial terms of which were not disclosed.

ZenFi’s operates more than 1100 route miles of fiber throughout the New York and New Jersey metro area that connects into major data centers and points of presence in 65 network edge colocation facilities (see, for example, “NY/NJ fiber network service providers ZenFi Networks, Cross River Fiber to merge”). It also has its own C-RAN infrastructure and counts wireless carriers among its customers. The company also owns the rights to provide mobile infrastructure services across 4000 LinkNYC kiosk structures via its partnership with the CityBridge consortium. ZenFi Networks also is active in Link5G, an upgrade to LinkNYC.

The wireless infrastructure work complements two other U.S. companies within the BAI Group, Mobilitie and Transit Wireless. BAI believes it can leverage these resources to the benefit of the Link5G effort. The addition of ZenFi Networks also should advance BAI’s goal to become a leading supplier of 5G infrastructure in the U.S.

“I am very impressed with ZenFi’s talented team and commercial capabilities. Bringing ZenFi into the wider BAI Communications Group solidifies our position as a leading connected infrastructure provider in North America and increases the opportunities for new and specialized projects driven by our group of companies,” commented Igor Leprince, Group CEO of BAI Communications. “ZenFi’s unique expertise in fiber and small cell deployments in New York City and surrounding areas further strengthens BAI’s competitive position in the largest city in the U.S., while also providing us with new ways to partner with other organizations to address the digital divide in the underserved communities. This includes the deployment of 5G through the Link5G kiosks, essential to ensure all New Yorkers have access to the networks of the future.

“Our immediate priority now is on combining the capabilities and talent of our companies to assist our customers in delivering an enhanced experience at all points of their customers’ journey, from subway to above ground and from work to home,” Leprince concluded.

Additional BAI Group companies include Signal Point in the U.S. and Vilicom in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

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