As mining companies accelerate their path to automation and digitisation across the entire value chain, the demand for reliable, mission-critical connectivity across remote and complex environments has never been greater.
Leading communications infrastructure provider BAI Communications has strengthened its mining, resources, and energy capability through the acquisition of Titan ICT, a specialist communications engineering and private wireless business with deep experience in operationally demanding environments.
From May 2026, Titan ICT operates under the BAI brand, combining Titan’s expertise with BAI’s national infrastructure platform, spectrum holdings, 24/7 Network Operations Centre, and significant financial backing.
Resources Review spoke with Chris Upstone, formerly Titan ICT’s Managing Director and now BAI’s Director of Public and Private Networks, about what the combined business means for the mining and resources sector.
A natural fit
“BAI’s scale, proven track record for delivery, and prioritisation of service make for a natural fit,” he said. “We can now offer clients an end-to-end service, from spectrum licensing and network design through to deployment and ongoing managed support, backed by people with deep operational experience in these environments.
“Combining Titan’s established reputation and relationships with BAI’s national reach and financial backing creates the right platform to lead in the delivery of private mobile and mission critical communications networks for the natural resources sector.”
Connecting the modern mine
Wireless connectivity has become a cornerstone of mine digitalisation, underpinning production and safety-critical systems and enabling miners to reach efficiency and productivity targets.
BAI’s approach covers the full lifecycle. It starts with strategic advisory and assessment, helping operators understand what connectivity operations need, before moving into detailed engineering and design of private LTE and 5G networks, traditional Voice Mobile Radio systems and other critical comms elements. BAI then manages systems integration and delivery, bringing together operational needs and autonomous systems onto a highly available and managed communications network.
Unusual in the industry, BAI can own the network infrastructure and operate it on behalf of a client, allowing mining and energy operators to focus on their core business activities and ‘subscribe’ to connectivity rather than building and maintaining their own highly specialised networks. This approach reduces capital outlay for customers and frees operational teams up to focus on mining production.
From mine to port
Upstone said Titan’s experience spans the mining value chain, from production at the pit through processing, rail and port.
“In mining, communications can’t fail,” he said. “Worker safety, production systems and security all rely on networks that must be always on. When connectivity drops, tonnes stop moving, and people are at risk.
“Our team has worked across mine, rail and port environments, including operational wireless, mission‑critical push‑to‑talk and IT/ OT integration. That means we’re not just designing networks, we understand how they perform in live operations.
“When we make a recommendation, it’s based on what works operationally for the client, not what suits a particular product or technology vendor.
“BAI and Titan are already helping miners modernise connectivity with private 5G and advanced wireless across sites and ports, with the connecting rail corridors the next focus. The goal is seamless data, voice and video communications from mine to port to support greater automation, visibility and safe, efficient movement of ore.”
To explore BAI’s mining and energy capabilities, visit bai360. baicommunications.com
Built on a century of critical infrastructure
BAI delivers TV and radio services to 99 per cent of Australians across hundreds of transmission sites, operates the NSW Telco Authority’s Public Safety Network, one of the world’s largest public safety radio networks, and is set to deliver a next‑generation rail communications system for Sydney Metro West.
Now, with Titan’s capabilities integrated into the business, BAI provides end‑to‑end connectivity for mine sites, processing facilities, heavy‑haul rail corridors, ports, and remote operations.
