Working with leading telecommunication provider Optus, Spectur has delivered surveillance solutions to protect critical assets from theft and vandalism. After three years of partnering together, Optus and Spectur will extend their collaboration to boost security for vulnerable telecommunication assets and support Optus’s commitment to strengthening mobile network security.
Optus has updated its Statement of Works with Spectur through an existing Variation Order agreed by both parties. The existing value of works was $956,000 and was updated to the value of $2,023,758.
On top of that, the two-year Statement of Works, which was due to expire on 16 November 2023, has been extended under the updated agreement and will now expire on 31 December 2025. This updated agreement expands on the multi-year rollout of Spectur hardware, and services that will be used to protect and maintain assets for Optus.
Spectur has provided turnkey solutions with hardware, software and services including surveillance systems, installation, relocation, maintenance, monitoring and software subscriptions, all of which will be used to boost protection for vulnerable assets and sites.
Partnering with telecommunication leaders
Spectur has been working with Optus since 2021 when the initial works order was signed. With wireless 3G/4G solarpowered surveillance systems, Spectur has been providing security solutions for assets across Australia.
During the initial trial, Optus utilised Spectur camera and sensor systems to protect mobile phone tower sites. With multi-system functionality to deter criminals from stealing or damaging equipment, Spectur surveillance systems successfully reduced theft and vandalism at the site, while also providing reliable security that could not be interrupted by power failures.
Since then, Optus has embarked on a program and installed Spectur security systems across the country to help reduce crime at other critical assets. Spectur Managing Director, Gerard Dyson, said Spectur has been supporting Optus and its associated companies since 2020.
“Over this time we have continued to work with Optus to improve and update our hardware, software and reporting systems, to suit their operations,” Dr Dyson said.
“This relationship and the positive impact that Spectur solutions have had in reducing theft, vandalism and disruption, has led to a continuation and expansion in the deployment of Spectur platforms.
“A key part of our strategy is to grow our income from institutional contracts. We see this step-up in our engagement with Optus as a validation of the return on investment that we can deliver for blue-chip customers.”
Protecting remote assets with active surveillance
The Optus network comprises more than 10,000km of fibre connecting state capitals and regional centres, with an additional 24,000km within metropolitan and fibre serving centres, making it a leading telecommunication organisation.
With some asset locations, it can be difficult for teams to reliably secure every site from theft and vandalism with traditional, non-active surveillance systems or security personnel. If intruders manage to break in and steal or damage valuable equipment and assets, this could potentially disrupt critical telecommunication services.
Spectur’s surveillance systems are designed to do more than just capture footage. Spectur security solutions incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) to autonomously respond to threats that are captured by the cameras and sensors. Once a threat is detected, the system can deploy the appropriate response to deter intruders, including identifying suspicious activity and behaviours.
Reliable surveillance for remote applications
For isolated locations where setting up surveillance cameras can be impractical or even impossible, critical infrastructure is vulnerable to theft and damage. Optus has ten million customers Australia-wide, which makes its assets crucial to providing telecommunication services to 40 per cent of the population.
Telecommunications networks located in remote areas can have limited internet and power access. These sites often depend on wired electricity and limited internet and mobile reception. Sometimes asset owners can set up fences, deploy drones or hire security personnel, but these solutions can become expensive or impractical.
With Spectur’s remote security solutions, Optus has a reliable surveillance and condition monitoring system to protect critical assets. Each Spectur camera platform is powered with solar panels and a rechargeable battery and has an in-built 3G/4G modem to transmit data.
This means Spectur’s security solutions are entirely wireless and self-contained to support off-the-grid functionality. This offers utilities a surveillance option that is not a risk of failing due to power outages or poor reception. With remote monitoring capabilities, asset owners can use the live-feed in the Spectur app to check sites from anywhere and at any time..
For organisations like Optus, this peace of mind can make all the difference when monitoring hundreds of sites across the whole country.
Supporting essential services
Leaving telecommunications assets vulnerable to damage or theft is not a risk worth taking considering the high demand and need for mobile and internet access. With autonomous security solutions, Spectur can support critical infrastructure and essential services in Australia and New Zealand.
Through the expansion of its Variation Order with Optus, this partnership ensures Spectur will continue to offer the telecommunications giant reliable and autonomous security solutions that can protect assets.
With additional Spectur surveillance systems preventing theft and damage at these critical sites, Optus can keep essential mobile and internet services running for users around the country.
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by Spectur. For further information, please visit spectur.com.au.
