Trevelyan welcomes new £1bn investment partnership

International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan has today (Thursday 14 October) welcomed the launch of the new communications infrastructure partnership between TfL and BAI Communications, which aims to transform the capital into a smart city and boost connectivity across London creating 600 jobs.

She was joined at a launch event at the Leadenhall Building in the City of London by Australian Minister Dan Tehan. The deal between TfL and BAI Communications, whose global operations include the UK, Australia and Canada will upgrade and add state-of-the-art 4G and 5G-capable mobile network capacity to the Underground, ending one of the key ‘not spots’ in the UK and enabling uninterrupted mobile coverage across all underground stations.

International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said:

The UK remains one of the most attractive destinations for investment globally and this partnership proves that investors are backing Britain. The upcoming Global Investment Summit will create more opportunities for industries of the future like digital and tech which support high-value jobs across every part of the UK.

As we strike ambitious trade deals across the globe, including with our good friends Australia we are opening up even more opportunities for investors, exporters and businesses to grow, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

Billy D’Arcy, CEO of BAI Communications UK, said: 

We are proud to be making such a significant investment into an incredible partnership with Transport for London, that will transform London into a leading smart city. Our Australian experience in managing critical communications and our wider global experience in delivering large-scale, connectivity infrastructure projects that will ensure people in London can stay connected in the moments that matter.

It will also create a city-wide innovation platform for creative and digital entrepreneurs in the UK and worldwide to build upon, making London a smarter and safer place to live in, work in and visit.

The International Trade Secretary also hosted Mr Tehan for talks on shared trade priorities and closer cooperation on tackling threats to free and fair global trade.

Total trade between the UK and Australia was worth £13.9 billion last year and our new trade deal will create more opportunities for businesses and producers in every part of the UK, making it easier for them to invest across the economy. It will ensure UK investors will benefit from broader and deeper market access than Australia has ever guaranteed before, and ensure the right to invest is protected in all sectors of the economy.

Today’s announcement comes as the UK prepares to welcome global business leaders and industry heavyweights at the UK’s Global Investment Summit next week.