BAI Communications announced it has acquired transit communications network provider, inMotion Wireless Inc. (inMotion). Based in Boston (USA), inMotion will design, build, own and operate wireless infrastructure, Wi-Fi, and fiber technology solutions to enable robust Wi-Fi and telecommunications services for Boston rail and ferry commuters.
In 2014, inMotion was awarded an exclusive 22-year license by the Massachusetts Bay Transport Authority (MBTA) to design, build, finance and operate a multi-application high speed network along the MBTA Commuter Rail System and on MBTA ferries, thus providing ubiquitous Wi-Fi access to MBTA commuters.
The inMotion acquisition further strengthens BAI Communications’ presence in North America, adding Boston to the company’s existing operations in New York (USA) and Toronto (Canada), where it designs, builds and operates the communications network in the New York City and Toronto subways. Jerry Elliott has been appointed as the CEO of BAI Communications USA reporting to group CEO Jim Hassell and takes immediate responsibility for inMotion.
“I’m truly excited by the opportunities presented in the U.S. rail market. BAI Communications is well placed to collaborate with cities that want to deliver modern, smart and sustainable communications infrastructure in transport systems and keep pace with the demands of today’s digitally connected passenger,” said Jim Hassell, group CEO, BAI Communications.
Jerry Elliott will take the helm of the inMotion operation effective immediately, and will be responsible for the delivery of the MBTA Wi-Fi and wireless and fiber infrastructure build project. “We are aiming for a rapid and seamless integration of the inMotion operation within the BAI Communications group of companies, and most importantly to address the immediate requirements of the MBTA Wi-Fi project,” said Jerry Elliott.
“With Boston’s population growing twice as fast as the rest of the nation, and its commuters spending on average 60 minutes commuting on a MBTA train, I believe our global experience in building high quality networks can truly help transform the commute journey for MBTA’s daily passengers,” added Elliott.
As part of the MBTA agreement, BAI extends its advanced technology and communications network management expertise track-side. “In Boston, we bring our advanced communications and fiber-optic expertise above-ground to build a high speed, high capacity, and highly available network, that the MBTA, commuters, cellular operators, and businesses along the tracks can benefit from,” added Elliott.
This advanced communications network will enable MBTA to support the immediate need of its commuters for connectivity, and the city’s future expansion plans and capacity requirements brought by a growing population.
