NBN Co selects Visionstream Australia to support transit network build

NBN Co has awarded networking service provider Visionstream Australia a contract worth up to $19 million to build the first stage of NBN Co's transit network following a thorough tender process.

The transit network comprises rings of backbone fibre-optic cables that will connect NBN Co's central hub to the modern equivalent of telephone exchanges.

Construction of the transit network is therefore an important component of NBN Co's plans to provide a connection within the reach of every Australian household and business to its fibre, fixed wireless or satellite services.

Dan Flemming, Head of Construction at NBN Co said: "The transit network will allow NBN Co to connect the different fibre access nodes to points where the traffic will be transferred to service providers. We're very pleased to have secured an agreement with Visionstream Australia to support the construction of the backbone of the National Broadband Network."

In the first stage of the build, NBN Co plans to construct 149 transit links connecting 168 fibre access nodes (FANs), of which 30 are also points of interconnect (PoI). The overall project involving 121 PoI is targeted for completion over the next three years, at which point the network management layer back to the Network Service Operation Centre (NSOC) is also expected to be completed.

Ric Oldham, Visionstream General Manager, said: "There are very positive outcomes for everyone as a result of this agreement. We look forward to making a vital contribution towards the construction of NBN Co's transit network, which is a step closer to connecting all Australians to the national broadband network."

Initial first stage sites are currently being made ready with Visionstream due to commence construction work in December 2011.

A full list of the Points of Interconnect can be found on the ACCC website.

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About NBN Co:
NBN Co is a government business enterprise formed in July 2009 to design, build and operate the national broadband network (NBN). The NBN will enable high-speed broadband to be delivered to all Australian households, businesses and enterprises through a combination of fibre to the premise, wireless and satellite. To facilitate the further development of a competitive telecommunication market, NBN Co is operating a wholesale-only, open-access network, and making its wholesale services available to retail service providers on non-discriminatory terms. For more information, visit: www.nbnco.com.au

About Visionstream Australia
Part of the Leighton Contractors Pty Limited group of companies, Visionstream provides network construction, maintenance and engineering services across wireline, wireless, equipment installation, relocation and integration as well as operational and maintenance related services. From concept to completion, Visionstream provides total project management services to meet diverse needs including intelligent transport systems, network infrastructure, co-located data centre facilities and asset relocation and protection activities. For more information, visit: www2.visionstream.com.au