Three networks, one goal: BAI unveils integrated comms strategy for Sydney Metro West

New Sydney metro rail line set to take first passengers in 2032

BAI Communications has won the contract to provide radio communications systems for the Sydney Metro West rail project, which is slated to begin taking passengers in 2032.

As part of the contract, BAI will design, deliver and integrate essential communications infrastructure across the new metro line.

At the core of the infrastructure delivery is a private 5G network enabling operational radio systems, train communications and rail signalling. This private 5G network is also designed to be upgradeable to the Future Railway Mobile Communications System, a new global standard set to replace legacy rail communications networks over the coming decade.

BAI Communications’ chief commercial officer, Elyssa Rollinson, said the Metro West win isn’t the organisation’s first client in the transport sector, but it does represent the largest transport project the company has won in Australia.

Rollinson said new senior staff have been brought onboard following the win, including project director Nathan Cornish. Cornish was previously the design lead for the communications project in the New York subway, and most recently head of engineering and service delivery.

Building physical infrastructure

BAI declined to name the providers of the physical 5G infrastructure, stating it is supplying the hardware in conjunction with tier one vendors.

Design of the system is already underway, Rollinson said, and will continue through various phases over the next few years.

“This will be followed by an implementation phase and extensive testing prior to the scheduled opening in 2032,” she said.

The system will also provide seamless 4G and 5G coverage for commuters using Telstra, Optus and TPG networks, however Rollinson noted the private network is a separate connectivity layer to the public systems.

There is also a third, separate, network layer for the Public Safety Network.

“[All these] networks will use separate radio frequency spectrum allocations,” Rollinson said. “While there are many efficiencies in establishing these systems together as an integrated project, they are separate networks that meet different connectivity purposes for different user groups.”

Rollinson said the recent Titan ICT acquisition has bolstered BAI’s depth and breadth of expertise in private and public networks.

The company currently has customers across mining, energy, utilities and ports, she said.

“We believe mission-critical communications are increasingly important in enabling automation and safety across all industries.

“We plan to significantly grow our presence in the sectors we already serve, and across new ones in enterprise and government,” Rollinson ended.