Ericsson completes first live 5G data call on Ericsson Cloud RAN

Telstra completed the first Ericsson Cloud RAN 5G data call on its commercial network in Queensland, Australia. 

Ericsson’s Cloud RAN solution virtualizes the RAN baseband as cloud-native network functions for the CU (centralized unit) and DU (distributed unit).

Telstra’s implementation of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN technology employs an architecture in which both the CU and DU baseband functions are centralized versus approaches that only centralize the CU and leave the DU at the base station site. By placing both the CU and DU functions at a central site such as a Telstra local exchange or data center, Telstra will achieve more efficient utilization of compute resources leading to improved cost and capacity outcomes.

The centralized Cloud RAN architecture deployed by Telstra is facilitated by the recently announced world-first commercial network deployment of Ericsson’s packet fronthaul technology based on the Ericsson Router 6673. Packet fronthaul technology allows existing site radios to be connected to the centralized Cloud RAN solution using eCPRI (enhanced CPRI). eCPRI is both more bandwidth efficient and places the radio information in an ethernet-based format that easily connects to cloud infrastructure running the Cloud RAN CU and DU baseband functions. 

Another unique aspect of Telstra’s Cloud RAN commercial network trial is that it is the first deployment of the Cloud RAN solution on Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution (CNIS), - a bare metal infrastructure that is specifically optimized for hosting cloud-native 5G applications both at central data centers and at the edge. The combination of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN running on CNIS as a system-verified solution reduces Telstra’s deployment and operational risks and ensures the best mobile network performance for Telstra’s customers.

Iskra Nikolova, Telstra’s Network and Infrastructure Executive, says: “Telstra’s ongoing partnership with Ericsson has reached another new milestone this week with the first 5G Cloud RAN data call over our commercial network utilizing Ericsson’s industry-leading Cloud RAN technology. This achievement clears the way for the wider deployment of Ericsson’s Cloud RAN technology, which will enable the full benefits of 5G for Telstra’s customers across Australia.”

Emilio Romeo, Head of Ericsson, Australia and New Zealand, says: “Ericsson’s Cloud RAN technology is a key enabler of 5G-as-a-service-based architecture and supports Telstra’s move towards the widespread virtualization and automation of its network infrastructure. This Australia first Cloud RAN trial further demonstrates the industry leading innovation made possible by Ericsson’s ongoing partnership with Telstra while marking the next step in the transformation of Australia’s largest mobile network.”

https://www.ericsson.com/en/press-releases/7/2022/telstra-makes-its-first-5g-data-call-on-a-commercial-network-with-ericsson-cloud-ran-technology

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Australia's nbn to deploy Nokia’s new OLT and access controller

Australia's NBN Co has selected Nokia’s next-generation fiber broadband technology to deploy on the nbn network beginning in 2023. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The deal will see nbn deploy Nokia’s latest MF series Optical Line Terminals (MF-14) and the Altiplano Access Controller for delivering higher capacity broadband technologies, such as XGS PON, 25GS PON, 50G PON and beyond. 

nbn will be one of the first in the world – and the first operator in the southern hemisphere – to deploy the Nokia MF-14. 

nbn said deployment of Nokia MF-14 OLTs will bring  multi-gigabit residential speeds across its Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) network.  Nokia's Altiplano Access Controller will bring web-scale software management and control to the nbn network. This will allow nbn to deploy enhanced customer experience tools, incorporate smarter systems and automation to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.

In November, the nbn network reached a record peak rate of 22.35 terabits per second downstream traffic, and this number is expected to increase up to 100 terabits per second in the next ten years.

Stephen Rue, nbn Chief Executive Officer, said: “Rapid technological advances will play a critical role in driving the economic prosperity of our nation and in enabling our transition to a smarter, digitally enabled economy. By leading the deployment of this next-generation technology, we can help meet our nation’s data demands now and into the future. Together with our network investment that is pushing fibre deeper into communities and extending fixed wireless and satellite coverage and capabilities, we are helping unlock social and economic benefits for households, businesses and communities across Australia. More than 8.5 million households and businesses are connected to services over the nbn network – this equates to approximately 20 million people relying on our network every day."

Ricky Corker, Nokia’s Chief Customer Experience Officer said “Nokia and nbn have been partners for more than 10 years and we’re excited to continue to support nbn in this next technological evolution, deploying more advanced and energy-efficient networking technology. "

https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/media-statements/nbn-selects-nokias-next-generation-fibre-solutions

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Australia's TPG Telecomhits 2 Gbps in 5G uplink test with Nokia

TPG Telecom achieved a 5G uplink speed of 2 Gbps using its 5G mmWave spectrum during a live demonstration at the Nokia 5G Futures Lab in Sydney, Australia.

The new Australian 5G uplink record, which follows on from a number of Australian 5G speed records announced by Nokia earlier in the year, will enable Nokia and its customers such as TPG Telecom to offer ultra-high-performing, low-latency services for Industrial and IoT applications which are heavily reliant on high-speed uplink connectivity. The solution is expected to be fully deployed next year as devices that support this capability become available.

The live demonstration involved a commercially available Nokia AirScale 5G mmWave base station utilising TPG Telecom’s 26 GHz spectrum to connect, over the air, to a 5G device powered by a Snapdragon X65 5G Modem-RF System featuring fourth-generation Qualcomm® QTM545 mmWave antenna modules. Additionally, Nokia deployed its industry-leading Carrier Aggregation (CA) technology to fully leverage the available spectrum assets. The CA setup included four component carriers of 100 MHz each in the 26 GHz band.

The demonstration also leveraged Nokia’s 5G Core to provide the speed, intelligence, and security for testing the delivery of new advanced 5G services.

Dr Robert Joyce, Chief Technology Officer at Nokia Oceania, said: “Super-fast uplink speeds are critical to fully realise the huge benefits of 5G networks, particularly as we look to emerging technologies like augmented intelligence, machine learning, advanced sensors and robotics that are set to transform industries and economies with huge safety, productivity and efficiency outcomes as we move towards the metaverse era. For consumers and industries alike, the future is exciting. Pushing the boundaries of 5G with innovative customers like TPG Telecom in Australia is a big part of this journey forward.”

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Virgin Australia picks Intelsat for Inflight Wi-Fi

Intelsat has been selected to provide high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi to Virgin Australia’s fleet of existing 737NG aircraft and future-delivery 737MAX aircraft.

The 2Ku antennas that facilitate the IFC system will be installed gradually over 18 months on more than half of the airline’s fleet starting mid-December 2023.

The service will be complimentary for the airline’s Business Class guests and Beyond and Velocity Platinum members. For all other guests, Wi-Fi access will be available for a nominal fee.

“We’re going to deliver a streaming-quality, always-on, reliable inflight internet product onboard Virginia Australia’s fleet of 737 aircraft,” said Dave Bijur, SVP of Intelsat Commercial Aviation. “We’re adding 737MAX aircraft for the first time with Virgin Australia, and they’ve made a technology decision that expands our relationship and will delight their guests.”

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Australia’s NBNCo picks Nokia's 5G mmWave FWA

Australia’s NBNCo has selected Nokia's 5G mmWave Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for a large-scale deployment reaching rural and suburban customers.

FWA currently covers almost 650,000 premises across Australia. This rollout will enable approximately 120,000 former satellite-only eligible premises access to fixed wireless services for the first time.

The 5G mmWave upgrade utilizes the 28 GHz band to be operated in Non-Stand Alone (NSA) mode along with cmWave spectrum and will help enable faster speeds on the network, including the launch of two new wholesale high-speed tiers – 100 Mbps and 250 Mbps.

Nokia’s mmWave solution introduces a high gain antenna design that can leverage mmWave to a range of up to 10km. The CPE comprises an outdoor unit installed on the roof of the premise and an indoor unit providing user interfaces for the customer, connecting to the outdoor receiver with a 2.5Gbps Power over Ethernet connection.

The devices will be used as part of nbn’s Fixed Wireless and Satellite Upgrade Program, a $750 million investment in the nbn Fixed Wireless network, made up of $480 million from the Australian Government supported by an additional $270 million from nbn.

"Using mmWave over long distances has been very challenging due to high signal attenuation. Nokia’s high gain Long Reach technology is an important innovation as it compensates for this attenuation, and minimises possible satellite interference, offering a balance of throughput and TCO,” said Shiv Putcha, Founder and Principal Analyst, Mandala Insights. “The collaboration with nbn is an important step to connecting the next billion users, who represent a significant opportunity for service providers in Australia and around the world.

Jason Ashton, Executive General Manager, Fixed Wireless and Satellite at nbn said: ‘We are facing a step-change in demand for broadband in rural and regional areas, with an estimated 300% increase in demand for data on our fixed wireless network over the next ten years. Nokia’s 5G mmWave solution allows nbn to better utilise both our sub6GHz and 5G mmWave spectrum allocations to vastly extend the range, speed and capacity of our existing fixed wireless network and improve the end user’s experience."

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2022/10/18/nokia-5g-mmwave-fwa-technology-selected-for-nbn-fixed-wireless-broadband/

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Colt optimises low latency routes between Singapore and Sydney

by James E. Carroll

Colt Technology Services, has substantially reduced the latency between the Singapore and Australian exchanges, realising the fast connectivity in the market of less than 87ms.

The round-trip latency values were measured with 1000Base-X and 64-byte packets on a 1Gbps test line between Colt POPs located at ASX and SGX Building.

The low latency route upgrade follows recent upgrades and additions to Colt’s other ultra-low latency routes, including new ultra-low latency routes between the SET, HKEX and SGX, between JPX and HKEX, HKEX to SGX and ASX to CME, as well as new services connecting markets in South Korea and Taiwan. This is an addition to other markets across Asia, Europe and the US, where Colt is a market leader in connectivity, hosting and exchange colocation facilities provision.

Arthur Rank, Global Director, Capital Markets Solutions, said: “We are continuing to invest heavily in upgrading our ultra-low latency infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific and around the world. The SGX-ASX route is particularly important for derivative and FX players in the region. We will continue to push boundaries to bring the fastest connectivity speeds in a competitive market.”

“Fast connectivity is critical for enabling capital market firms of all kinds to execute trading strategies faster. Our highly secure ultra-low latency network services are used by the most demanding buy-side and sell-side firms in key liquidity hubs globally, including Tier 1 financial institutions. We are committed to helping them thrive in the Asia-Pacific.”

https://www.colt.net/resources/colt-optimises-low-latency-routes-between-singapore-and-sydney/

 

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Australia's TPG Telecom deploys Adtran's Gfast

TPG Telecom Group (TPG), Australia’s second-largest telecommunications provider, is leveraging the Adtran second generation Gigabit Gfast fiber extension portfolio to upgrade existing broadband services to Gigabit speeds and attract new subscribers.

Adtran is enabling TPG to rapidly roll out Gigabit broadband services to more than 230,000 premises and over 2,000 buildings across Eastern Australia.

TPG has a large footprint of both single- and multiple-dwelling locations that were connected by VDSL technology. The service provider wanted to offer Gigabit services to these existing subscribers as well as everyone else in its DSL services footprint. TPG is the first major telco in Australia to deploy Gfast and it selected Adtran’s latest Gfast technology to rapidly launch fast, competitive broadband service speeds that are 10 times faster than similar services offered by competitors in the region.

“In today’s global digital economy, having access to Gigabit services is a big competitive advantage for any carrier that wants to offer the best connectivity solutions to residential and business customers. The launch of Gfast has helped us offer some of the fastest broadband speeds available in Australia today and will be a game-changer for TPG’s wholesale business and customers,” said Jonathan Rutherford, Group Executive, Wholesale, Enterprise and Government at TPG Telecom Group. “We’ve been proud to work with Adtran—it has overcome global component supply constraints to ensure we were able to quickly and efficiently roll out this new technology.”

Adtran’s Gfast VDSL coexistence technology enables Gfast-based services to uniquely support the delivery of symmetric and asymmetric Gigabit speeds even when delivered in coexistence with legacy VDSL2 services.

https://www.adtran.com/end-to-end-solutions

Australia's NBN Co deploys ADTRAN's in-ground G.fast DPUs

Wednesday, November 28, 2018  ADTRAN, NBN Co  

Australia's NBN Co will deploy ADTRAN's 2nd generation G.fast Distribution Point Units (DPUs) in the next phase of the country’s national broadband access network. ADTRAN confirmed that it has shipped hundreds of thousands of the most advanced generation of G.fast ports for this project. Financial terms were not disclosed. The first G.fast DPUs are being installed in the Sydney suburb of Rockdale, where the newest phase of the wholesale nbn is...

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ADTRAN's Combo PON been adopted by more than 100 operators 

Wednesday, July 14, 2021  ADTRAN, PON, XGS-PON  

 ADTRAN's Combo PON technology, which launched in June 2020, has been adopted by more than 100 operators worldwide, including every type of service provider—from altnets, RDOF recipients, multinational Tier 1 operators and cable operators.Combo PON makes upgrading to symmetrical 10G PON services simple by seamlessly supporting the installed base of GPON subscribers while blanketing the entire FTTH network with the higher speed and capacity of...

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Nokia supplies private wireless and IP/MPLS to Western Australia

 The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA) selected Nokia to design, build and maintain a next generation railway communications system over the next decade in Perth.

METRONET infrastructure and public transport program is the long-term blueprint for Perth's future. As a critical element of the METRONET program and as part of the agreement, more than 160 LTE/4.9G radio sites will be built to modernize the railway communication system that includes additional METRONET track and tunnels with a total of 250km of railway. The solution will be based on Nokia private 4.9G/LTE mission-critical IP/MPLS, Data Center Fabric and microwave backhaul solutions, to support a Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) High Capacity Signalling system for greater accuracy and efficiency compared to traditional signalling systems.

Rob McCabe, Head of Enterprise for Oceania at Nokia, said: “We are thrilled to partner with PTA for this prestigious project to design, build and maintain the next-generation railway communications network. Powered by Nokia’s private wireless network solution, the new railway communication system will help enhance the accuracy of the system leading to improved experience and safety. Nokia is at the forefront of supporting railway networks accelerate digital transformation for more efficient operations while delivering greater value to the passengers.”

Nokia has deployed mission-critical networks to more than 2,200 leading enterprise customers in the transport, energy, large enterprise, manufacturing, webscale, and public sector segments around the globe. It has also extended its expertise to more than 485 large private wireless customers worldwide across an array of sectors.

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Equinix opens xScale data center in Sydney with PGIM

Equinix, in partnership with PGIM Real Estate, inaugurated its first xScale data center in Sydney, Australia. This milestone follows the closing of the US$575 million joint venture between the parties in March 2022.

As the first of the two data centers to be developed and operated under the joint venture with PGIM Real Estate, the new SY9x facility currently provides more than 14 MW of power capacity and will provide more than 28 MW when fully built out to meet the surging demand for cloud-based platforms and services among businesses in Australia. PGIM Real Estate owns 80% equity interest in the Australian joint venture, with Equinix owning the remaining 20%. Equinix will be responsible for the operation of the hyperscale data centers.

SY9x is located in Rosehill, adjacent to the Western Sydney CBD of Parramatta. The second xScale facility, to be named SY10x, will provide more than 28 MW of power capacity when built. At full build the two xScale facilities will offer a combined power capacity of more than 55 MW.

With the closing of the joint venture in Australia, Equinix's global xScale data center portfolio will be greater than US$8 billion of investment across 36 facilities, and expects to deliver more than 720 megawatts (MW) of power capacity when fully built out. Including SY9x in Sydney, Equinix currently operates nine xScale data centers across all three regions including FR9x in Frankfurt, LD11x and LD13x in London, OS2x in Osaka, PA8x and PA9x in Paris, SP5x in São Paulo, and TY12x in Tokyo. An additional eight xScale builds are under development for approximately 70 MW of incremental capacity.

In Asia-Pacific, Equinix has also established joint ventures to build xScale data centers in Seoul, Osaka and Tokyo. Including Sydney, Equinix plans to build ten xScale data centers in the region, delivering approximately 240 MW of power capacity when completed.

https://www.equinix.com/newsroom/press-releases/2022/06/equinix-and-pgim-real-estate-open-first-xscale-data-center-in-sydney-for-hyperscalers

Equinix and Singapore's GIC to build 2 data centers in Seoul

Wednesday, January 26, 2022  Data Centers, Equinix, Korea  

Equinix and GIC, SINGAPORE'S sovereign wealth fund, agreed to form a US$525 million joint venture to develop and operate two xScale data centers in Seoul, Korea. GIC will own an 80% equity interest in the joint venture, and Equinix will own the remaining 20% equity interest. The two facilities under this joint venture, to be named SL2x and SL3x, are expected to provide more than 45 megawatts (MW) of power capacity to serve the unique core workload...

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Equinix opens 4th data center in Melbourne

Monday, March 02, 2020  Australia, Data Centers, Equinix  

Equinix has inaugurated its fourth International Business Exchange data center in Melbourne, Australia. The new ME2 facility is located in Melbourne's Fishermans Bend region, Australia's largest urban renewal project, which is forecast to be home to approximately 80,000 residents and provide employment for up to 80,000 people by 2050. ME2 includes more than 29,300 square feet (2,730 square meters) of colocation space. Once fully built out, the facility...

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RTI to terminate transpacific cables at Equinix

Tuesday, January 21, 2020  Equinix, RTI, Subsea  

RTI Connectivity Pte. Ltd. has selected Equinix IBX data centers to extend their connectivity solutions in Tokyo, Japan, and Sydney, Australia. RTI and its affiliates will soon be completing construction on several new high-fibre capacity cables that will land on Guam. Equinix termination points that are currently live include the following two cable routes: Japan-Guam-Australia South Cable System (JGA South) connecting Sydney and Guam with termination...

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Equinix to host Vocus Australia Singapore Cable POP in its data centers

Sunday, June 17, 2018  Australia, Equinix, Submarine Cable, Subsea  

The new subsea cable system offers additional points of presence to address rising interconnection demand between Australia and Southeast Asia Equinix will host the Vocus-owned Australia Singapore Cable (ASC) in its International Business ExchangeTM (IBX) data centers in Singapore and across six metros in Australia, including the Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Perth and points of presence (PoP) in Sydney and Melbourne already announced. The ASC...

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STACK Infrastructure builds data center capacity in Australia

STACK Infrastructure announced a partnership with Hickory, a leading Australian commercial real estate developer, to develop data center capacity in three Australian markets: Melbourne, Canberra, and Perth. 

STACK Australia is currently constructing a 72MW campus in the high growth hyperscale corridor of Truganina in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The facility is expected to be delivered early in 2023 and will include two 36MW buildings (currently under construction) with separate access points to accommodate multiple users with separation of security and services. In parallel, STACK Australia is expanding into two key emerging hyperscale markets, including a 28MW data center in Hume, Canberra and a 24MW single data center in Wangara, Perth. Both the Canberra and Perth projects have received development approval, and they will each break ground in the third quarter of 2022 with delivery over the second half of 2023.

As part of this partnership, Hickory’s data center management team led by Joel O’Halloran, Michael Gunton, and James Veness will join the STACK global platform.  

“STACK’s expansion into Australia, building on our recent Japan development, exemplifies our focus on establishing a scalable presence in core regional markets that are strategically important to our clients,” said Pithambar (Preet) Gona, STACK’s Chief Executive Officer - APAC. “The partnership with Hickory demonstrates our ability to leverage our partnership model and expertise to the benefit of our customers while attracting leading data center talent regionally to the STACK platform”

https://www.stackinfra.com/about/news-events/press-releases/stack-infrastructure-expands-apac-footprint-into-australia-with-124mw-of-capacity-across-melbourne-canberra-and-perth/

STACK Infrastructure plans new 84MW data center in northern Virginia

Monday, April 18, 2022  Data Centers, Stack  

STACK Infrastructure unveiled plans for a new 84MW data center campus on 34 acres in Prince William County in Northern Virginia. The project will comprise a minimum of two buildings spanning 602,000 square feet. STACK anticipates the data centers will be ready in Q3 of 2023.In the last four months, STACK has announced a total of 300MW of additional capacity planned in Northern Virginia. In aggregate, STACK’s current and under-development...

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Australia's NBN Co reports financials

Australia's NBN Co. reported total revenue of $3.8 billion for Q3 FY22 for the nine months to 31 March 2022:, up 10 per cent on Q3 FY21, primarily due to growth in activations and customers upgrading to higher speed tiers. Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA), including subscriber costs, was $2.3 billion, a $1.4 billion improvement on the corresponding nine-month period.

Some highlights:

• In the nine months to 31 March 2022, NBN Co paid $174 million in subscriber costs to Telstra and Optus, which was an 83 per cent reduction on the payments of approximately $1.05 billion in the prior corresponding period. NBN Co reaffirmed its expectation and guidance that these payments will cease during FY23. 
• Residential Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) remained steady in the third quarter at $46. Revenue from business customers increased to approximately $750 million, up approximately 22 per cent on the prior corresponding nine-month period.
• Approximately 76 per cent of residential and business customers were connected to plans based on nbn wholesale speed tiers with peak download speeds of 50 Mbps and above, up from 71 per cent a year ago, and approximately 18 per cent of customers were connected to plans based on nbn wholesale speed tiers with peak download speeds of 100 Mbps and above.
• Capital expenditure in the nine months to 31 March 2022 was $1.8 billion, down from $1.99 billion in the prior corresponding period.

https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre/media-statements/nbn-co-q3-fy22-financial-results-update

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Telstra Wholesale launches premium 5G and IOT to MVNOs

 Telstra Wholesale is launching a new 5G service and a series of IOT products for Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) customers.

The Telstra Wholesale 5G service will be available from July, initially reaching more than 75% of Australians. It will deliver Telstra Wholesale’s fastest-ever mobile speeds – up to 250 Mbps - and access to mmWave where available.

Glenn Osborne, Executive, Sales and Wholesale Segment, Telstra Wholesale said this expanded portfolio of services was about meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving mobile market.

“The ability for our Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) customers to offer a premium 5G mobile plan, as part of their suite of mobile solutions, provides even more possibilities for these customers to unlock new growth opportunities and attract different audiences seeking the performance benefits and capacity of 5G. And they can do all of this while utilising the capabilities of Telstra’s world-class network,” he added.

https://www.telstra.com.au/aboutus/media/media-releases/wholesale-launches-5G-IOT-product-range

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OMERS acquires TPG Telecom's 1,230 towers in Australia

OMERS Infrastructure agreed to acquire over 1,230 mobile towers and rooftop sites from TPG Telecom Limited for an enterprise value of A$950 million. 

Once the deal is complete, OMERS Infrastructure will become the largest independent tower company in Australia. 

Under the terms of the acquisition, TPG has entered into a 20-year contract to use the Tower Assets, with options to extend. TPG has also committed to building additional towers to further expand the network over the coming years. The transaction will be OMERS Infrastructure’s first 100% owned investment in Australia and its first investment in the digital infrastructure sector in the Asia-Pacific region.

Christopher Curtain, Senior Managing Director, Asia-Pacific for OMERS Infrastructure, said: “Australia and Asia-Pacific more broadly are priority markets for OMERS Infrastructure, where we continue to see significant investment opportunities. We are excited to have the investment in TPG’s Tower Assets join our portfolio of high-quality Australian infrastructure investments, alongside Port of Melbourne, Transgrid and renewable energy developer FRV Australia. In the transaction, we see an excellent opportunity to realize our digital infrastructure thesis in the region. We look forward to working with the TPG team to first transition the business and then support its growth as it provides critical telecommunications infrastructure services to its customers.”

Following the closing of the transaction, the company will become the third global investment for OMERS Infrastructure in digital infrastructure. OMERS has completed investments in two other digital infrastructure transactions in Europe over the last three years – Deutsche Glasfaser in Germany in 2020, and XP Fibre in France in 2019.

Australia's TPG Telecom halts network rollout after Huawei ban

Tuesday, January 29, 2019    

TPG Telecom will cease the rollout its mobile network following the decision of the Australian federal government to ban the use of Huawei equipment in 5G networks due to national security concerns. TPG Telecom made the announcement in a regulatory filing to the Australian Securities Exchange. TPG said it had selected Huawei as its principal supplier of 5G equipment because of the clear upgrade path for its current infrastructure, which also uses...

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TPG Telecom and Telstra reach network sharing deal in Australia

Monday, February 21, 2022  Australia, Telstra, TPG Telecom  

Telstra and TPG Telecom announced a ten-year regional network sharing agreement covering Telstra's Radio Access Network in defined territory.The deal provides TPG Telecom with access to around 3,700 of Telstra’s mobile network assets, increasing TPG Telecom’s current 4G coverage from around 96 per cent to 98.8 per cent of the population.Both carriers will continue to operate their own core network. Telstra will also obtain access to and deploy infrastructure...

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Optus tests 3CC Carrier Aggregation 5G with Nokia and Samsung

Nokia, Optus and Samsung Electronics Australia achieved a data session using 3 Components (3CC) Carrier Aggregation (CA) technology over a 5G Standalone (SA) network in Australia, the first time this has been done using a commercial smartphone.

Nokia supplied its latest commercial AirScale Baseband and radio portfolio powered by its Reefshark chipset over Optus’ commercial network. The trial combined the FDD band (2100MHz) with the TDD band (2300 MHz + 3500 MHz) using CA technology.

5G Carrier Aggregation allows compatible 5G smartphones to receive multiple 5G frequency bands in parallel, enabling higher data rates, increased coverage and superior network capacity while maximising the spectral efficiency of 5G networks. 

Dr Robert Joyce, Chief Technology Officer at Nokia Oceania, said: “Nokia is delighted to bring our market-leading 5G technology to Australia to deliver yet another 5G world first with Optus. This market-leading 5G network enhancement provided by Nokia will allow Optus to continue to deliver superior network performance to its customers.”

Lambo Kanagaratnam, Vice President of Networks at Optus, said: “We’re always looking at ways that we can further optimize our network performance to benefit our customers. Once available commercially, this 3 NR Carrier operation will enable customers to achieve a higher 5G download speed at more places improving their overall 5G experience. Our Samsung Galaxy S22 customers will1 soon be the first to benefit from this technology enhancement with other handsets to follow shortly after.”

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Singtel and Australian fund to acquire 2,000 towers across Australia

AustralianSuper, which is the largest Australian superannuation and pension fund, and Singtel-owned Australia Tower Network (ATN) have agreed to acquire Axicom, one of Australia’s leading providers of telecommunications tower infrastructure, for A$3.58 billion.

Axicom owns and operates approximately 2,000 telecommunication sites located in metro and outer-metro locations across all eight states and territories and major cities in Australia.

In November 2021, AustralianSuper acquired a 70% stake in ATN from Singtel. 

Following the Axicom acquisition, Singtel’s shareholding in the combined ATN/Axicom business will be 18%, with AustralianSuper at 82%.

“Axicom is complementary to our existing digital infrastructure portfolio and this acquisition will result in the creation of a provider with a truly national footprint that will connect the vast majority of Australian families and businesses,” said Nik Kemp, AustralianSuper Head of Infrastructure.

"This acquisition is a unique opportunity to scale up ATN’s operations and expand its customer base. It also reinforces Singtel’s commitment as a long-term investor in the Australian telecoms space where our goal has always been to provide more options and build better communications for Australian consumers and businesses. In combining ATN and Axicom, AustralianSuper and Singtel will be working closely to realise the significant operational synergies created," stated Lim Cheng Cheng, Chief Corporate Officer Singtel's Group.

https://www.singtel.com/about-us/media-centre/news-releases/australiansuper--singtel-and-australia-tower-network-to-acquire-

Telstra sells a 49% stake in its towers business

Wednesday, June 30, 2021  Australia, Telstra, Towers  

Telstra will sell a 49% share in its Telstra InfraCo Towers business, which consists of approximately 8,200 towers across Australia, to a consortium comprised of the Future Fund, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation and Sunsuper.The transaction values Telstra InfraCo Towers at $5.9 billion, representing an FY21 pro forma EV/EBITDAaL multiple of 28x. Telstra expects net cash proceeds after transaction costs of $2.8 billion at completion and the...

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Telstra names Vicki Brady as its next CEO

Telstra named Vicki Brady as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 September 2022, replacing Andrew Penn who has today announced his intention to retire after serving more than seven years in the role. 

Brady currently serves as Telstra’s Chief Financial Officer. 

Brady holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australia National University, a Masters from Stanford University Graduate School of Business, is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants ANZ and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She will be based in Sydney.

“Andy has led Telstra during a period of significant change and will be known for his courage in setting a bold ambition through the T22 strategy to deliver a transformed experience for customers, shareholders and employees. There is no doubt the strategy has delivered beyond expectations and has laid the foundations for Telstra’s recently announced T25 strategy and a renewed focus on growth and innovation,” said Telstra Chairman, John Mullen. 

“During his time as CEO, Andy has driven a focus on digitisation underpinned by a commitment to simplifying our products and services for our customers and employees. He has also maintained our leadership in networks, including recently through our investment to lead on 5G. 

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Vocus’ Australian backbone connects NEXTDC’s data centre in Darwin

Vocus will connect Darwin’s first data centre, NEXTDC’s D1, on its high-capacity ‘Terabit Territory’ fibre infrastructure with backhaul rates at the same price structure offered on the most popular intercapital routes along Australia’s east coast..

Vocus completed the Terabit Territory network upgrade in August 2021, bolstering the capacity of its fibre infrastructure into Darwin from 10 Gbps to 200 Gbps technology. Terabit Territory, delivered in partnership with the NT Government, provided a 25-times increase in capacity into Darwin – and is scalable to deliver up to 480 Tbps of total capacity in future.

The fibre connection to NEXTDC’s D1 follows Vocus’ announcement of the first international submarine cable connection into Darwin. Vocus has commenced construction activity for a new $100 million, 1,000km cable linking the Australia Singapore Cable (ASC) to the North West Cable System (NWCS) in Port Hedland – providing the final piece of the DJSC, a $500 million ecosystem of high-capacity cables connecting Perth, Darwin, Port Hedland, Christmas Island, Indonesia, and Singapore. The completed system is expected to be online by mid-2023.

The DJSC will deliver 40Tbps of internet capacity between Australia and Asia – unlocking Darwin as a major new data hub for the Asia-Pacific and opening up the Pilbara mining region for low-latency connectivity into Singapore.

The new system will also interconnect with Vocus’ in-progress Project Horizon fibre from Perth to Port Hedland and onto Darwin, with the completed network providing unparalleled redundancy and reliability for Vocus customers in Australia’s North and West.

https://www.vocus.com.au/news/vocus-terabit-territory-fibre-connects-darwin-data-centre

Vocus plans Darwin-Jakarta-Singapore cable

Thursday, August 19, 2021  Australia, Subsea, Vocus  

Vocus unveiled plans for the Darwin-Jakarta-Singapore Cable (DJSC), the first international submarine cable connection into Darwin, establishing the Northern Territory capital as Australia’s newest entry point for international data connectivity.Vocus has now signed construction contracts for a new $100 million, 1,000km cable linking the Australia Singapore Cable (ASC) to the North West Cable System (NWCS) in Port Hedland – providing the final piece...

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Vocus to launch 200G optical network in Australia with Nokia

Tuesday, August 17, 2021  Australia, Nokia, Vocus  

Vocus has deployed Nokia’s optical transport solution to enable 200G links covering more than 4,100 km between Brisbane and Darwin. Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) is used to upgrade Vocus’ optical network between Adelaide, Brisbane and Darwin to deliver 200G with the capability to easily provide 300G and 400G in the near future. With this initiative, the Vocus capacity upgrade covers more than 7,100 km of fibre. Nokia’s solution...

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Australia's NBN pushes for FTTP upgrades

NBN Co is on track to enable up to 8 million premises across Australia to access nbn Home Ultrafast, offering peak download speeds of 500 Mbps to close to 1 Gbps, by the end of next year. 

More than 4.4 million premises connected to the network can already access nbn Home Ultrafast, with 2.4 million premises able to access wholesale download speeds of 500 Mbps to close to 1 Gbps via Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) and around 2 million premises able to access wholesale download speeds of close to 1 Gbps via Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). 

From today, NBN Co is inviting more than 50,000 customers currently served by Fibre to the Node (FTTN) to upgrade to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). 

To trigger a full fibre upgrade, eligible customers will need to place an order with a participating retailer for a plan based on an eligible wholesale speed tier. These include nbn’s three highest speed tiers: nbn® Home Fast, which offers wholesale download speeds of up to 100 Mbps; nbn® Home Superfast, which offers wholesale download speeds of up to 250 Mbps, or nbn® Home Ultrafast (FTTP)1,2, which offers wholesale download speeds of close to 1 Gbps3,4. 

As part of the company’s $4.5 billion network upgrade program, nbn has so far announced the suburbs and towns across Australia where up to 1.6 million premises currently served by FTTN will become eligible to upgrade to FTTP. 

In addition, The Australian Government will invest $480 million in the nbn® Fixed Wireless network. NBN Co will commit an additional $270 million to the program designed to deliver faster wholesale speeds2 for regional Australia, benefiting thousands of homes and businesses. 

 NBN Co will use the funding to 5G-enable its network of more than 2,200 Fixed Wireless infrastructure sites and more than 22,000 cells in semi-rural areas and across regional and remote Australia. 

https://www.nbnco.com.au/corporate-information/media-centre

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Telstra to deliver teleport services for OneWeb in Australia

Telstra announced a 10-year deal to deliver teleport services to OneWeb in Australia. 

Telstra is building three new dedicated teleports across Australia. The first of the new teleports, located in Darwin Tivendale, is scheduled to begin installation this month with go-live planned in July. Two further sites – Charlton Toowoomba and Wangara, Perth, WA – are planned for completion later in 2022. Each facility will provide turnkey ground station support for OneWeb’s growing fleet of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

Telstra said its turnkey approach for OneWeb includes designing, building and activating the teleports with ground station capabilities to meet OneWeb’s requirements. Telstra will also provide 24/7 monitoring and quality assurance services at each location.

“OneWeb had exacting requirements from the outset, and we worked in close partnership with them from site selection through construction,” said Vish Vishwanathan, Vice President Wholesale & Satellite, Telstra Americas. “Teleports are complex sites involving access to secure and resilient infrastructure and on-the-ground expertise, which Telstra has provided to OneWeb throughout this project.”

“Low Earth Orbit satellite technology is transforming the global connectivity landscape, not only by creating new business opportunities, but also giving more businesses, communities and governments the internet access they need for progress,” said Michele Franci, Chief of Delivery and Operations at OneWeb. “More connectivity options benefit everyone and our approach in establishing strategic partnerships with experienced providers like Telstra is core to how we deliver the OneWeb mission.”

http://www.telstra.com

• Earlier this month, OneWeb signed an MOU with Telstra to explore new connectivity solutions for Australia and the Asia pacific regions.

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