BAI Communications to acquire ZenFi Networks
Global communications infrastructure provider BAI Communications plans to extend its reach in the New York/New Jersey market via the acquisition of privately held ZenFi Networks. ZenFi provides digital infrastructure for small cell deployment, offload and roaming services, fiber connectivity, and network edge colocation (see, for example, "ZenFi Networks, Cross River Fiber complete merger"). Financial terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year subject to customary closing conditions, were not disclosed.
BAI will add 1,100 route miles of fiber network infrastructure across the New York and New Jersey metro region, as well as C-RAN capabilities and several customer contracts with enterprise and mobile network operators through the deal. ZenFi will step alongside current BAI companies Mobilitie and Transit Wireless to help BAI in its quest to become a leading provider of connected 5G infrastructure across North America and globally. Transit Wireless provides connectivity across the New York City subway system; ZenFi Networks owns the rights to provide mobile infrastructure services across 4,000 LinkNYC kiosk structures across the New York City.
"ZenFi Networks is a long-established and high-performing player in the wireless infrastructure sector. As an exciting business with longstanding customer relationships and a reputation for driving innovation, bringing it into the BAI Group is an important step forward in our ongoing push for growth in North America and globally,” commented Igor Leprince, group CEO of BAI. “In the short-term, it enhances our regional operations in the Northeast, further extending the reach of current solutions and expertise we have and building on our vision 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. This also positions us perfectly to support the increasing appetite for connectivity among businesses across North America."
"We are very excited about this acquisition and joining the BAI Group,” added Ray LaChance, co-founder and CEO of ZenFi Networks. “The natural alignment between our business and BAI's North American operations unlocks a range of opportunities to extend the services and support that we are providing our customers, positioning the business to increase its scale and leadership in connected infrastructure delivery.”
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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