The Parliamentary Standing Committee of Public Works has tabled the $131.1 million facilities upgrade of the Defence Terrestrial Communications Network, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Darren Chester announced today.
“Modernising the facilities is an integral part of Defence’s Terrestrial Communications Network transformation. This is a key strategic reform initiative that will deliver robust and secure communications technology, create greater efficiencies and lower costs,” Mr Chester said.
The works will go ahead at 282 Defence sites, supporting around 100,000 users in Australia and overseas. IT facilities and communications infrastructure will be upgraded under the project.
The work will include improvements to power, lighting, air-conditioning, fire protection and security alarms and monitoring within communications rooms housing ICT equipment.
Defence will partner with Telstra to implement the transformed network solution. Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in mid-2014 and be completed by mid-2016. The project will significantly improve network performance and meet capability requirements through to 2023.