The national broadband network: challenges and opportunities for telecommunications infrastructure planning

Abstract

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia's history. NBN Co is currently rolling out the NBN network across Australia which includes a network of interconnected infrastructure such as optical fibre cables, street cabinets, exchange buildings, depots, wireless towers and satellite base stations. Some of this infrastructure is installed in accordance with the utilising NBN Co's powers under schedule 3 of the Telecommunication Act 1997 (Cth) (the Telco Act) in areas of environmental significance as defined in the Telco Act. In these areas NBN Co seeks exemptions or approvals under a range of federal, state and territory legislation. To assist in this process on a national scale NBN Co has developed a mapping tool that combines telecommunications infrastructure design, the location of construction activities and mapped areas of Heritage, Environmental and Cultural (HEC) considerations. This tool forms part of a systematic analysis of potential impacts enabling early identification of potential approval requirements. NBN Co also works with key approval authorities to identify opportunities to streamline approval requirements and identify possible exemptions. Further, the significant improvements and advances in telecommunications infrastructure and access arising from the NBN may be harnessed by the wider planning community in current and future development, plans and strategies as the NBN is expected to change how people live, learn and work.