Fujitsu has completed a major upgrade to TasNetworks' microwave radio network, commissioning 18 FRX-3 Microwave radio links.
Apart from operating and maintaining Tasmania's electricity transmission and distribution network, TasNetworks looks after a state-wide telecommunications network.
The upgrade has brought about a five-fold increase in throughput and better visibility of service levels.
Following the upgrade, Fujitsu was awarded a five-year support contract to reduce risk and ensure the network's reliability.
{loadposition sam08}The telecommunications network covers mountainous, inhospitable terrain and the radios are largely in remote locations that are exposed to challenging weather conditions.
The upgrade had to be carried out in weather conditions like this on occasion.
Over the course of the project’s late winter, early spring timeframe, these locations experienced heavy snow and strong winds; reducing the time required to work outside and lift heavy objects into place in such conditions reduced risk and meant that, despite the teams being snowed in on occasion, the upgrade stayed on schedule.
“This network implementation was a large investment for TasNetworks”, said senior telecommunications engineer Robert Clerk. “Our partnership with Fujitsu facilitated innovation. Their solutions-focused attitude helped in bringing our ideas into completion and demonstrated why opportunities to innovate should continue to be explored at every step of a project’s lifecycle.
"Together, we worked with unknowns, managed risk and completed the project efficiently while upholding proper processes and standards. Avoiding unnecessary outages and keeping overall project costs down to upgrade to a top-quality network was a win-win for TasNetworks and our customers.”
Mike Foster, chief executive at Fujitsu Australia, said, “We are proud to have played a part in delivering a valuable asset for Tasmania. It’s no small feat to embark on upgrading a major state-wide system. The team’s determination and grit, even in challenging weather and terrain, has resulted in TasNetworks being able to offer a robust network platform for its customers across Tasmania.”
Photos: courtesy Fujitsu