NBN Co taps SA Power Networks for FTTH deployments in South Australia

NBN Co, the company responsible for rolling out Australia’s National Broadband Network fiber to the home (FTTH) infrastructure, has awarded SA Power Networks a three-year contract to deploy fiber-optic broadband infrastructure in Adelaide and regional South Australia.

The award to SA Power Networks follows a similar contract NBN Co granted to Syntheo, a consortium comprising Lend Lease and Service Stream, for fiber cable installation in the state. The Syntheo contract’s two year term is slated to expire this November.

SA Power design and construct the local and distribution network that runs fiber from a local communications exchange (fiber access node or FAN) through each street in each coverage area. The area the new contract covers includes approximately 300,000 premises. The contract includes two one-year extension options.

The company, formerly known as ETSA Utilities, built the NBN first release site in Willunga, which is 47 km from Adelaide near the McLaren Vale. NBN Co says that 63.4% of eligible residents in Willunga were active on the NBN as of this past June. The average take rate for fiber locations active for more than six months is more than 30%, NBN Co adds.

For more information on FTTx technology and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.