Smart Infrastructure Planning in New Communities

Introduction

The Western Sydney 5G Trial is one of the 4 digital commitments in the Western Sydney City Deal. It explored new ways for mobile network providers to work with councils and property developers so that mobile coverage is provided to new areas, while homes are being built. Providing areas with network connections before people move in is cheaper and less disruptive than installing it after.

The trial focused on growth areas in Western Sydney. It looked at ways mobile networks, developers and councils can work together.  

Challenge 

New greenfield areas will double the urban area of the Parkland City. The development front stretches across a 72-kilometre corridor. Usually, these new outer suburbs aren’t serviced with mobile connectivity until after they are populated. 

This approach leaves our newest communities disconnected. It means residents are underserviced and unable to participate fully in the digital ecosystem. Residents also face disruption when new mobile infrastructure is built into busy neighbourhoods. 

Delivering telecommunications infrastructure is complicated. The groups involved must first agree on where to invest and then navigate the regulatory environment. 

Solution  

This project tested a collaborative approach to delivering 5G coverage in new developments.  

The pilot directly engaged with developers, councils and mobile network operators. It identified what considerations and approaches led to better outcomes for those involved. It aims to deliver immediate mobile reception for everyone in those newly constructed suburbs. 

The pilot established the best ways to support rapid deployment of mobile network infrastructure is through early engagement between property developers and mobile network operators. Together with the Western Sydney Planning Partnership and trial participants, the pilot developed guiding principles to better plan for telecommunication services in new communities. 

1. Developers and practitioners understand mobile digital connectivity baseline and future demand in new communities. 
    
2. Encourage early engagement between developers and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) as part of the planning process to accommodate mobile telecommunications infrastructure where required to provide equitable mobile digital connectivity in new communities. 
    
3. Identify potential sites and the approach for mobile telecommunications infrastructure early in the planning process for new communities.
    
4. Incorporate technical guidance for enabling telecommunications infrastructure (fixed and mobile) in development control plans (DCPs), including conduits, pits, poles and connected places. 
    
5. Prepare place owners for managing digital infrastructure assets.

Additional details are available in the 5G Trial Report: Planning for Mobile Telecommunications in New Communities, resource linked below.

The learnings are now reflected in the updated Commonwealth Telecommunications in New Developments (TIND) policy.  The experience gained through this trial contributed to the Mobile Telecommunications Working Group development of national principles for mobile telecommunications and the working group’s final report. 

Network completion and activation are targeted for late 2024. This infrastructure delivery will be subject to approvals. 
 

Expected outcomes  

Smart Places outcome areas:

• equity, accessibility and inclusion
• collaboration and connection.

The project will also provide:

• improved digital outcomes for new communities in Western Sydney.  
• a standard approach for the delivery of telecommunications infrastructure.  
• better economic and social opportunities for residents in new communities. 

Resources

Want to implement a similar project? Visit our Smart Places Playbook for help.

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