Digital solutions like smart meters, AI and IoT are becoming integral to the utility sector, so it’s critical that telecommunications infrastructure can keep up with demand.
Digital connectivity underpins every facet of the industry. Not only is it a key enabler in the transition to renewable energy, but utilities from all sectors are leaning on emerging technologies to streamline their operations and maintenance, improve their disaster resilience and meet changing customer needs.
It’s a race against time to keep up with demand, and Australia needs fibre networks that are future-proof and capable of cost-effective evolution as innovation, technology and bandwidth requirements grow.
But Australia is also one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, and this network needs to cover vast distances, reach both urban and extremely remote locations, and tackle harsh climatic conditions.
To meet these challenges, Service Stream created a specialised Network Infrastructure team to take on major telecommunications projects across the nation.
From strength to strength
Service Stream has installed more than 1.5 million meters of cable conduit in 2024 alone – a feat that was made possible by its specialised approach.
Charged with delivering industry‑leading design and construction for large-scale, complex projects of national significance, the Network Infrastructure business unit brings together more than 2230 contractors and direct staff from various areas of expertise and tailors their skillsets to the industry’s unique needs.
Excellence in delivery starts with accurate, complete and detailed designs, and this approach laid the foundations for the business unit’s wider success.
Network Infrastructure has an integrated design team that works closely with construction leads and land access professionals to consider constructability, cost optimisation and local, cultural, environmental and state heritage right from inception.
Safety is also a key consideration for the design team, and their goal is to produce a telecommunications network that is both technically fit-for-purpose and safe to construct and maintain.
A focus on data-driven analytics allows Service Stream to provide industry-leading design generation that can be tailored to suit any system or format – with a commitment to safety and payload accuracy.
This is supported by a dedicated team of system and automation professionals, who are tasked with developing and implementing advanced data checking and design tools to guarantee quality and automate the transformation of data between software platforms, removing limitations and allowing for seamless integration into native systems.
Service Stream General Manager Network Infrastructure, Sean Bryan, said the company is proud to have built a team that has the experience and knowledge to take on the biggest and most complex connectivity projects.
“Our innovative approach has allowed us to provide state-of-the-art solutions, which incorporate the latest technology and methodologies to transform how these connectivity projects are delivered,” he said.
To track, manage and protect its people out in the field, the team also developed a series of smart solutions.
“When dealing with the astronomical number of underground services we cross each day, reliance on paper alone is not compatible with a mindset focused on safety,” Mr Bryan said.
“Our civil operators and their support workers are also required to undergo targeted training on the identification and protection of underground assets.
“In collaboration with our field supervisors and authorised personal they utilise a two-stage approach, which requires a second person removed from the on-site team to review the controls in place and confirm that the planned works can proceed in a safe, controlled manner.”
“With a national footprint and a focus on constant improvement, the Network Infrastructure team delivers turnkey solutions to meet today’s needs while delivering for tomorrow’s growth.”
For more information, visit servicestream.com.au
