New York, New York, UNITED STATES
New York, NY, Jan.  04, 2023  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New York City Regional Center (“NYCRC”) is pleased to announce the first I-829 petition approvals issued to EB-5 investors participating in its Subway Wi-Fi Infrastructure offering (“Project”). To date, 1,833 I-829 petition approvals have been issued to investors in NYCRC offerings resulting in 5,311 individuals (EB-5 investors and family members) achieving permanent residency in the United States. The Project included a $75 million EB-5 loan to Transit Wireless to assist with the construction of a new wireless infrastructure network that brought cellular and Wi-Fi service to all 281 New York City underground subway stations. The build out of the network was completed in 2017 and today provides over 5.7 million New York City subway passengers with connectivity every day. During a typical year, more than 140 million cellular calls originated within the underground subway stations and 120 million Wi-Fi log-ins were made to the public Wi-Fi network. The network’s 150-mile fiber optic backbone also handles countless text messages, app usage, and all the many ways commuters use their smartphones. The infrastructure network has also helped revolutionize how the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (“MTA”) interacts with riders underground – whether through enhanced public safety communications via Help Point Kiosks or the system-wide countdown clocks for train arrivals. The borrower of EB-5 capital, Transit Wireless, was the company selected by the MTA and the New York City Transit Authority to build out and operate a shared wireless infrastructure network within New York City’s underground subway stations, including connectivity services for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless customers. Since its inception, this cellular and Transit Wireless Wi-Fi network has been connecting millions of customers to the digital world as they make their daily commutes. Construction of the Project is complete and all $75 million of EB-5 capital was spent on qualified construction expenditures. In September 2022, NYCRC announced the full repayment of the $75 million loan to EB-5 investors in this Project. The repayment brought the total amount of loan proceeds repaid in NYCRC offerings to $852.5 million. “We are proud to announce the first I-829 petition approvals to go along with the recent repayment of $75 million to EB-5 investors in this offering,” said Paul Levinsohn, NYCRC Co-Managing Principal. “We are honored to have played a role in bringing high-speed Wi-Fi to New York City’s underground subway stations.” 
About the NYCRC
The NYCRC was approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2008 to secure foreign investment for real estate and infrastructure projects under the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Congress created the EB-5 program to stimulate economic development through foreign investment. The program’s mandate is to use foreign investment to spur job creation while simultaneously affording eligible foreign investors the opportunity to become lawful permanent residents of the United States. The NYCRC was the first EB-5 regional center approved in New York City. To date, 1,833 I-829 petition approvals have enabled 5,311 individuals to secure permanent residency in the United States via NYCRC offerings. Over the past 15 years, NYCRC-managed funds have put $1.58 billion of capital to work across a broad spectrum of infrastructure and real estate projects in New York City resulting in over 3.8 million square feet of new development and renovation. Much of this capital has been invested in underserved areas in need of long-term economic growth. Examples include:
$811 million to finance ground-up, redevelopment, and infrastructure projects in Brooklyn, including seven projects totaling $383 million in the Brooklyn Navy Yard;
$108.5 million to finance ground-up and redevelopment projects in Washington Heights, an Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone; and,
$220 million to finance ground-up construction in the Bronx. ######

NYCRC ANNOUNCES I-829 PETITION APPROVALS IN ITS SUBWAY WI-FI INFRASTRUCTURE  EB-5 OFFERING

Transit Wireless announced it will employ existing dark fiber pathways to help bring connectivity to Manhattan from Long Island with over 10 unique river crossings.

Transit Wireless licensed to build out NYC fiber broadband infrastructure

21 November, 2022 at 1:51 PM
Posted by: Shriya Raban
BAI Communications has announced the close of its acquisition of  ZenFi Networks , a US East coast-based provider of digital infrastructure solutions and specialist in small cell deployment, offload & roaming services, fibre connectivity, and network edge colocation. ZenFi now becomes a BAI Group company, alongside  Mobilitie  and  Transit Wireless  in the United States, helping to further accelerate BAI’s growth in North America and support the company’s vision to become a provider of connected 5G infrastructure across North America and globally. As part of the acquisition, BAI obtains ZenFi’s portfolio of assets, including over 1,100 route miles of fibre network throughout the New York and New Jersey metro region. This fibre network connects into major data centres and points of presence in 65 network edge colocation facilities, a critical component of its C-RAN infrastructure. Furthermore, ZenFi brings with it a host of long-established customer relationships, including contracts with the wireless carrier customers in the region and the rights to provide mobile infrastructure solutions across 4,000  LinkNYC  kiosk structures through its partnership with the CityBridge consortium. The deal will allow the Group to participate in Link5G, the next phase of LinkNYC, a communications network that has replaced payphones across New York City with state-of-the-art kiosks equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi, maps, connections to city services, and device charging at no cost to taxpayers or users. In addition to the standard LinkNYC features, Link5G will bring a faster and more equitable deployment of 5G to neighbourhoods across New York City, with a focus on previously underserved areas. Link5G can accommodate all carrier equipment needs and provide the necessary infrastructure to expand broadband connectivity to areas of the city that have traditionally been underserved by carriers. The new kiosks include 5 independent RF transparent bays to host multiple carriers deploying a variety of 4G and 5G technologies. These deployments combined with BAI’s commercial power in transit systems, will result in a differentiated offering in the New York area including wider small cell deployment, siting to mobile network operators, the support of municipal services with advanced connectivity, and the largest public Wi-Fi network, all transferable to other states in the US and to other markets. Igor Leprince , Group CEO of BAI Communications, says, “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 specialised projects driven by our Group of companies. ZenFi’s expertise in fibre and small cell deployments in New York City and surrounding areas further strengthens BAI’s competitive position in the largest city in the US, while also providing us with new ways to partner with other organisations 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.”
Closing of this acquisition means BAI’s technical and service offerings to network operators, enterprises, and public municipalities will significantly expand to include more specialised and scalable solutions, like small cell siting. ZenFi’s infrastructure is a natural extension of the connectivity solutions that Transit Wireless currently provides across the New York City subway. It will also be leveraged by Mobilitie for small cell connectivity of existing and new locations, as well as expanding its inbuilding 5G networks across North America. Ray LaChance , co-founder and CEO of ZenFi Networks says, “These are exciting times at ZenFi. Our team’s hard work in developing sustainable, equitable, and innovative infrastructure solutions for a densely populated region like New York City and New Jersey has been a rewarding experience that will now scale up.”
Victoria Lamberth , co-founder and CRO of ZenFi Networks continues “We share a cultural and operational alignment with BAI that will ensure our customer-centric approach remains a priority into the future. Additionally, our combined expertise in fast-growth segments like small cell deployment with BAI’s global scale and reach, puts the BAI Group in an exciting position to drive increased connected infrastructure growth overall and new development opportunities for our people.”
Commenting on next steps, Mr Leprince adds “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.”
Comment on this article below or via Twitter:  @VanillaPlus  OR  @jcvplus ”

BAI Communications, ZenFi Networks partner to accelerate growth in the US market

As part of the acquisition, BAI obtains ZenFi’s portfolio of assets, including over 1,100 route miles of fiber network throughout the New York and New Jersey metro region
Communications infrastructure provider BAI Communications announced the close of its acquisition of ZenFi Networks, which serves parts of the U.S. East Coast. ZenFi now becomes a BAI Group company, alongside Mobilitie and Transit Wireless in the United States. As part of the acquisition, BAI obtains ZenFi’s portfolio of assets, including over 1,100 route miles of fiber network throughout the New York and New Jersey metro region. This fiber network connects into major data centers and points of presence in 65 network edge colocation facilities, a critical component of its C-RAN infrastructure. ZenFi also has contracts with wireless carrier customers in the region and the rights to provide mobile infrastructure solutions across 4,000 LinkNYC kiosk structures through its partnership with the CityBridge consortium. The deal will allow the BAI Group to participate in Link5G, the next phase of LinkNYC, a communications network that has replaced payphones across New York City with kiosks equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi, maps, connections to city services, and device charging at no cost to users. Igor Leprince, group CEO of BAI Communications, said: “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.”
ZenFi’s infrastructure is a natural extension of the connectivity solutions that Transit Wireless currently provides across the New York City subway, BAI Communications said. It will also be leveraged by Mobilitie for small cell connectivity of existing and new locations, as well as expanding its in-building 5G networks across North America. Victoria Lamberth, co-founder and CRO of ZenFi Networks, said: “We share a cultural and operational alignment with BAI that will ensure our customer-centric approach remains a priority into the future. Additionally, our combined expertise in fast-growth segments like small cell deployment with BAI’s global scale and reach, puts the BAI Group in an exciting position to drive increased connected infrastructure growth overall and new development opportunities for our people.”
 “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 added. News of the agreement between the two companies was first announced on July 26 of this year.

BAI Communications completes ZenFi acquisition

PR Newswire
NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BAI Communications (BAI) today announced the close of its acquisition of ZenFi Networks (ZenFi), a US East coast-based provider of digital infrastructure solutions and innovator in small cell deployment, offload & roaming services, fibre connectivity, and network edge colocation. ZenFi now becomes a BAI Group company, alongside Mobilitie and Transit Wireless in the United States, helping to further accelerate BAI's growth in North America and support the company's vision to become a leading provider of connected 5G infrastructure across North America and globally. AD
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As part of the acquisition, BAI obtains ZenFi's portfolio of assets, including over 1,100 route miles of fibre network throughout the New York and New Jersey metro region. This fibre network connects into major data centres and points of presence in 65 network edge colocation facilities, a critical component of its C-RAN infrastructure. Furthermore, ZenFi brings with it a host of long-established customer relationships, including contracts with the wireless carrier customers in the region and the rights to provide mobile infrastructure solutions across 4,000 LinkNYC kiosk structures through its partnership with the CityBridge consortium. The deal will allow the Group to participate in Link5G, the next phase of LinkNYC, a first-of-its-kind communications network that has replaced payphones across New York City with state-of-the-art kiosks equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi, maps, connections to city services, and device charging at no cost to taxpayers or users. In addition to the standard LinkNYC features, Link5G will bring a faster and more equitable deployment of 5G to neighbourhoods across New York City, with a focus on previously underserved areas. Link5G can accommodate all carrier equipment needs and provide the necessary infrastructure to expand broadband connectivity to areas of the city that have traditionally been underserved by carriers. The new kiosks include 5 independent RF transparent bays to host multiple carriers deploying a variety of 4G and 5G technologies. These unique deployments combined with BAI's commercial power in transit systems, will result in a differentiated offering in the New York area including wider small cell deployment, siting to mobile network operators, the support of municipal services with advanced connectivity, and the largest public Wi-Fi network, all transferable to other states in the US and to other markets. Igor Leprince, Group CEO of BAI Communications, said: "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 specialised projects driven by our Group of companies. ZenFi's unique expertise in fibre and small cell deployments in New York City and surrounding areas further strengthens BAI's competitive position in the largest city in the US, while also providing us with new ways to partner with other organisations 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." AD
AD
Closing of this acquisition means BAI's technical and service offerings to network operators, enterprises, and public municipalities will significantly expand to include more specialised and scalable solutions, like small cell siting. ZenFi's infrastructure is a natural extension of the connectivity solutions that Transit Wireless currently provides across the New York City subway. It will also be leveraged by Mobilitie for small cell connectivity of existing and new locations, as well as expanding its inbuilding 5G networks across North America. Ray LaChance, Co-Founder and CEO of ZenFi Networks said: "These are exciting times at ZenFi. Our team's hard work in developing sustainable, equitable, and innovative infrastructure solutions for a densely populated region like New York City and New Jersey has been a rewarding experience that will now scale up." Victoria Lamberth, Co-Founder and CRO of ZenFi Networks continued "We share a cultural and operational alignment with BAI that will ensure our customer-centric approach remains a priority into the future. Additionally, our combined expertise in fast-growth segments like small cell deployment with BAI's global scale and reach, puts the BAI Group in an exciting position to drive increased connected infrastructure growth overall and new development opportunities for our people." Commenting on next steps, Mr Leprince added: "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." News of the agreement between the two companies was first announced on 26 July of this year. About BAI Communications
BAI Communications is a world leader in shared communications infrastructure, pioneering solutions that empower our customers to advance their services, accelerate their networks and amplify their reach in the most efficient and cost-effective ways possible. Having long been at the forefront of network advancement, BAI is harnessing fibre, spearheading the transition from 4G/LTE, accelerating 5G and preparing for 6G – and beyond. We collaborate closely with our customers in telecommunications, government, transit, enterprise, broadcasting, and venues to realise their communications vision, focusing not just on the immediate future, but on the possibilities that exist over long-term partnerships. Our global operations span the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Hong Kong, Canada, and Australia. Our BAI Group companies include Mobilitie , Signal Point , Transit Wireless and ZenFi Networks in the United States, and Vilicom in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Together, we're creating smarter communities for all. AD

BAI Communications closes acquisition of ZenFi Networks, further accelerating growth in the US market

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is a transportation network, serving customers in New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut.

New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority

AT&T looks forward to continuing to collaborate with the MTA on using the latest technological tools to improve the lives of New Yorkers . ''

Cellular Connectivity in Underground Subway Stations One Year Ahead of Schedule; Wi-Fi Also Installed in Underground Stations Two Years Ahead of Schedule.

Penguin Random House is a trade book publisher, and the international home to editorially and creatively independent publishing imprints.

Penguin Random House

Transit Wireless

Celsius Network

Inseego Corp.

GroundLink

Arbinet-thexchange

Transit Wireless provides advanced cellular, Wi-Fi, and fiber technology solutions for public, private, and business enterprises. The company offers project management, network operations, DAS, public safety, telecommunications, public Wi-Fi, wireless infrastructure, transit connectivity, colocation and data center, and fiber-optic network. It is based in New York City, New York.

Name	Work History	Title	Status
Alex Mashinsky	Celsius Network, Inseego Corp., GroundLink, YPO, and Arbinet-thexchange	Founder	Current
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Name	Alex Mashinsky	Subscribe to see more	Subscribe to see more	Subscribe to see more	Subscribe to see more
Work History	Celsius Network, Inseego Corp., GroundLink, YPO, and Arbinet-thexchange	Subscribe to see more	Subscribe to see more		Subscribe to see more
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Name	Igor Leprince
Firm
Work History
Other Seats	Transit Wireless

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