The Rochester-based UGC-5DG will build one of two legs of the project between Melbourne and Sydney on the HyperOne $1.5 billion national fibre network.
“We are excited to be partnering with UGC-5DG on the delivery of these first segments. UGC-5DG brings a tremendous amount of experience having built some of the most significant telecommunications projects over the last 20 years," said Bevan Slattery (pictured), founder of HyperOne.
UGC-5DG will deliver more than 1,000km of fibre for the project, improving connectivity between the two cities and creating more than 200 new access points for regional communities along the route.
According to Jaala Pulford, Victorian Minister for Digital Economy, the HyperOne network will create more than a thousand jobs to the state of Victoria.
“Our government has been working hard to grow our digital economy because we know it creates jobs for Victorians right across our state,” she said.
“Our focus has always been on delivering a new digital backbone, built by Australians for Australians - and this contract with UGC-5DG reflects our commitment to Aussie jobs," added Slattery.
“We also want to deliver the jobs and training opportunities for more Australian workers to gain employment in the digital economy, especially in telecommunications infrastructure.”
Once completed, HyperOne will connect every Australian capital city via a 20,000km network capable of transmitting up to 10,000Tbps.
The network will also provide many regional communities with direct access to backhaul fibre for the first time, via more than 2,000 on and off ramps across the country.
“We will be looking to create local jobs for local workers, across the route, spreading the benefits of this project across regional communities,” said Ric Oldham, project director at UGC-5DG.
“UGC-5DG will also engage with local Indigenous suppliers for construction capability and to assist with the environmental oversight in regional and rural areas.”
January saw Slattery announce Soda, his new launchpad for investments in Australia’s digital infrastructure and sustainability. The first pillar is SODA Infrastructure, which includes development and investment in Australia’s digital infrastructure and in the Indo-Pacific region, and home to HyperOne.
