Aurora and Nokia Siemens Networks deliver major upgrade to optical fiber backbone

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia – Revamped network to satisfy growing connectivity needs of operators, enterprises and government

Aurora Energy and Nokia Siemens Networks have completed a major capacity upgrade on the TasGovNet optical fiber backbone network. The network, which connects the cities of Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport, represents a launch platform for Tasmania’s communications revolution. The upgrade project substantially increases the capacity of the network and will reduce ongoing operational costs.

Aurora’s telecommunications strategic advisor Gary Eiszele said: “The demand for broadband in Tasmania is growing rapidly. The recent upgrade enables Aurora Energy to satisfy the new connectivity needs of operators, enterprises, and government in Tasmania.”

For the upgrade, Aurora selected Nokia Siemens Networks to supply and deploy its dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) network. Under the scope of the deal, the company deployed and commissioned its hiT 7300 DWDM platform, and provided related equipment and support services.

“If we want to ensure our stake in this market, we have to scale up quickly and cost efficiently,” added Eiszele. “Having worked closely with Nokia Siemens Networks before, we had full confidence in its ability to complement global experience with local support abilities. Nokia Siemens Networks tailored a solution for us that met the market needs for high bandwidth.”

“By undertaking this cost-effective evolution to increase capacities from hundreds of megabits per second to tens of gigabits per second, Aurora will be able to help its customers meet its need for seamless high-end broadband applications,” said Kalevi Kostiainen, head of the Australia-New Zealand region at Nokia Siemens Networks. “We have a long history of providing solutions to the Tasmanian market, including Aurora Energy. By partnering with Aurora again we are helping it make the most of this market’s potential.”

Aurora is Nokia Siemens Networks’ fifth deployment in Australia of the hiT 7300 platform, which reduces network complexity and simplifies network maintenance and management, resulting in lower capital and operating expenses. Nokia Siemens Networks has also provided network implementation and training for Aurora’s staff.
About Aurora Energy

With support from the Tasmanian Government, in 2008 Aurora took over and commercialised the State’s optical fibre network TasGovNet (TGN) under a long-term lease, following a government tender process.

Aurora then negotiated commercial arrangements with Basslink to establish end-to-end connectivity between the Tasmanian cities on the network, and Melbourne.

It is this foundation infrastructure – constructed in conjunction with the gas pipeline trenching almost a decade ago – which now plays a key role in underpinning Tasmania’s array of communications opportunities, including participation in the National Broadband Network.
About Nokia Siemens Networks

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of telecommunications services. With its focus on innovation and sustainability, the company provides a complete portfolio of mobile, fixed and converged network technology, as well as professional services including consultancy and systems integration, deployment, maintenance and managed services. It is one of the largest telecommunications hardware, software and professional services companies in the world. Operating in 150 countries, its headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

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