BAI Communications subsidiary Transit Wireless has expanded its partnership with New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to double the size of its 5G fibre network including 670 track kilometres and up to 20 separate river crossings.

The neutral host provider will expand its high-capacity fibre connectivity designed and built for carrier-grade 5G cellular service, small cell deployment, offload and roaming services, and network edge colocation.

This network will be designed to support over ten million users per day and allow mobile network operators to offer their customers enhanced data and voice service underground and throughout the entire NYC subway.

“Our partnership with the MTA will result in a significant network extension of fibre route, diversity and overall capacity,” said Transit Wireless CEO Melinda White. “The project will deliver seamless reach for all major cellular carriers to provide riders with enhanced coverage underground and throughout their journey across the New York City subway system. We will also deliver a carrier-grade network for private enterprises.”

The expanded fibre system extends the network to private businesses, universities, hospitals and commercial properties. Access to part of the network is already available. It can support connectivity ranging from network redundancy for critical business continuity to primary network hosting that is geographically robust and reliable.

The network investment by Transit Wireless to build the necessary infrastructure is in process, with the planning and design phases already underway.

“In addition to a 5G neutral host network, the project includes expansion of the wifi network to all 191 above-ground subway and 21 Staten Island Railway stations,” said Fredericka Cuenca, deputy chief development officer at the MTA.

The wifi network is free to the public and is available at all 281 underground subway stations.

“As part of this project, areas where the connectivity infrastructure needs an upgrade, we will see new, dedicated communications networks,” said White. “By bringing high-speed connectivity to underserviced subway lines and platforms, we are able to further address the inequities of digital service delivery throughout the system.”

The communications expansion within the New York subway system will become one of the most advanced and extensive projects of its kind in North America and builds upon the existing connected infrastructure capabilities for the BAI Communications company.

“This project is a landmark achievement for us, and we are honoured to invest in New York’s future as we advance the company’s vision to become a leading provider of connected 5G infrastructure across North America and globally,” said Igor Leprince, CEO of BAI Communications. “From the subway to above ground, the expanded network will further the reach of our current solutions, delivering an enhanced experience at all points of a user’s journey.”

BAI Communications recently acquired ZenFi Networks, adding over 1770 fibre route kilometres across the tri-state area, including the rights to provide mobile infrastructure support across 4000 Link NYC kiosk structures throughout New York City.