Broadband rollout to revolutionise infrastructure management

He said physicist and internet architect Larry Smarr, had made the point that broadband and connected technologies, would reshape the way we think about infrastructure management. Smart infrastructure, he says, will result in savings for everyone. Digital technologies linked via broadband will improve the way assets are planned, built and maintained.
Smart infrastructure will be equipped with sensor technology to detect movement and deterioration.The information will be monitored constantly allowing better timed and targeted responses. It means better, more informed decisions can be made about safety and maintenance, Conroy said.
Sensored bridge
This was demonstrated by the example of the St Anthony Falls Bridge, which collapsed into the Mississippi River in 2007, killing 13 and injuring 145 people. The replacement bridge incorporates thousands of sensors to monitor load and weather conditions to ensure there is no repeat collapse. The sensors will also help reduce maintenance costs.
Smart infrastructure means longer-lasting constructions, more efficient resource management and a better return on investments, he said.
Our own research entity National ICT Australia (or NICTA) - is making smarter water supply infrastructure. NICTAs Water Information Network project uses sensor networks to monitor and control channel systems. This in turn makes water usage more efficient. In irrigation water trials on dairy farms, NICTA demonstrated a 27% improvement in water productivity.
The benefits of this innovation, particularly in arid areas, are obvious. It highlights the far-reaching potential of using broadband to make infrastructure smarter and to drive better outcomes. It also presents opportunities for small business to tap into the rollout of the network, as well as take advantage of the opportunities for innovation that flow from faster broadband, Conroy said.
The National Broadband Network will be the single largest nation-building infrastructure project in Australian history.
FTTP v FTTH
Conroy used FTTP and FTTH as one and the same in his address. One is fibre to the premises and the other is fibre to the home, with the former usually indicating fibre optic cable is installed right to the users computer.
FTTP will connect 90% of all Australian homes, schools and workplaces with broadband services with speeds up to 100Mbps, 100 times faster than those currently used by many households and businesses.
[Installation of] the National Broadband Network will support up to 25,000 local jobs every year, on average, over the 8 year life of the project. This figure will peak at 37,000 people digging the ditches, running the fibres, planning and engineering, connecting homes and offices, creating and supplying network hardware and other associated jobs.
The investment is expected to generate additional economic activity of more than $37bn over the life of the project.The network will connect all other premises in Australia with next generation wireless and satellite technologies that will deliver broadband speeds of 12 megabits per second.
Progress
He said the government had moved swiftly to implementation. The National Broadband Network Company has been established and I note states are jostling to host its headquarters. The government will soon announce the appointment of an executive search firm to assist in the selection of the board and chief executive of the company.
Also, negotiations are progressing with the Tasmanian Government to start an early rollout of a FTTP network and next generation wireless in Tasmania by July, and consultation has started on a $250m priority broadband backhaul investment for regional Australia.
Following the close for submissions to the consultation in early May, the government was due to begin a competitive tender process for backhaul rollouts. Construction on this element was expected to begin in September.