When disaster strikes, real-time communication with field crews is critical. To safeguard locals and workers, SA Power Networks is revolutionising its emergency response.
SA Power Networks delivers a vital service to more than 1.7 million South Australians and manages a network of essential assets across the state, including several remote locations.
An unplanned outage can be devastating for these isolated communities, so it’s critical that power is restored as soon as possible – and effective field communication is the key to a swift emergency response.
With its end-of-life satellite system only capable of reaching a maximum speed of 0.5Mbps, SA Power Networks determined that it was hindering timely data uploads and delaying responses during power outages.
Additionally, with the shutdown of the 3G network looming, SA Power Networks’ regional vehicle coverage was under threat. Ensuring worker safety during emergency responses in remote areas was also crucial, meaning that whatever solution the company came to would need to be designed to keep teams connected in isolated environments.
Recognising the need to upgrade its field communication capabilities, SA Power Networks partnered with Vocus and Advanced Mobile IT to develop a modern solution for emergency response.
Developing the right solution
SA Power Networks Project Manager, Mir Asim, said the organisation was intent on finding a solution for enhanced communications.
“Our existing satellite communication technology needed to keep pace with a changing environment and our customer and crews’ high-performance expectations,” Mr Asim said.
Vocus worked closely with SA Power Networks to address its unique requirements and develop a tailored solution.
Ultimately the partnership led to the deployment of Vocus – Starlink satellite technology across SA Power Networks’ field services, emergency response vehicle fleet and remote sites.
“We were looking for what’s next in the field of satellite communications. We did an analysis, and Starlink was identified as the best option. We procured some units, did some testing, then we looked at deploying it.”
Advanced Mobile IT, with its strong track record in maintaining the IT requirements of SA Power Networks’ vehicle fleet, was tasked with the design and install of custom mounting, power and routing solutions for the Vocus – Starlink satellite equipment.
Mr Asim said developing a telecommunication unit suitable for mounting on fleet vehicles was challenging.
“We had to try a lot of different configurations across our variety of fleet vehicles and the different operating conditions and terrain that these vehicles operate in.
“We came up with about eleven different use cases and implemented them, testing them in a pilot. Now, we are very excited to be rolling it out at an enterprise scale.”
The deployment of 179 Starlink units on emergency vehicles and 21 in fixed locations, along with Advanced Mobile IT’s custom mounting solutions, has revolutionised SA Power Networks’ response capabilities.
Mr Asim explained that fast and consistent communications with field teams is vital for their work, especially during emergency outage responses.
“A lot of information flows into our outage management systems from the crews that are in the field. Their asset assessments and photos go back to their supervisors, at the depot, and ultimately our network operation centre, to get authorised. Only then can crews receive confirmation to switch power or perform some other maintenance action. It is a significant channel of information, and it needs to happen quickly.”
Mr Asim said that SA Power Networks has seen significant improvements in efficiency after the implementation of the Starlink systems.
“Safety is a key area which is being improved through this initiative, along with timely access to information about our assets, notifications to customers, and the ability to restore power outages faster.”
“The Vocus and Advanced Mobile IT teams have helped realise our goal – it’s been a tremendously productive partnership.”
Partnering for the long run
Mr Asim said Vocus has been a long-term partner with SA Power Networks.
“We’ve got lots of services with Vocus and when it was time for Starlink, we were aware that Vocus had been working with SpaceX on this technology,” Mr Asim said.
“We went through a thorough procurement process and arrived at Vocus as the best choice.”
“As of now, we’re rolling it out for our powerline and electrical services teams, and we have a lot of demand coming in from various other areas of the business.”
Mr Asim said Advanced Mobile IT has also been a partner of SA Power Networks for many years.
“They manage our annual maintenance fleet for the vehicles, so they are quite well versed in the variety of our fleet, as well as contacts at depots,” Mr Asim said.
Improved services
Mr Asim said that the feedback from field crews has been very positive.
“The only thing we hear at the end of every conversation is ‘when can we have more?’ They are thrilled with the uplifted capability and efficiency which comes with strong connectivity.”
With more demand from different areas of the business, Mr Asim said the utility is analysing its requirements and looking at deploying more of this technology in the future.
“We’ve seen good connectivity when it comes to metropolitan and major regional centres, but just outside that – and especially with the 3G network decommissioning – the need for satellite communication is still being felt”.
“We are setting a new standard in emergency response and community resilience, and it has been made possible by the seamless connectivity that low-earth orbit satellites can provide.”
For more information, visit vocus.com.au/satellite
