Newman

Full IP based Digital Entertainment System over Active Network to existing 150-Room Remote Operations Camp

Client

Resource

Location

Existing Brownfields 150-Room railway operations / maintenance camp
Between Newman and Port Hedland (Pilbara),
Western Australia

Project Summary

A common challenge for resource and construction industries is staff attraction and retention. The competitive labour market only exacerbates the problem which is further compounded in a facility established to provide for a diverse range of contractors. An isolated location also complicates the matter by virtue of the limited options available to personnel and the absence of the most fundamental of services. Swift Networks was contracted to provide a digital entertainment and communication system to every room in this remote camp. This necessitated the provision of an intra-camp cable network and coordinating the delivery of carrier and Internet services.

Scope of Work

SwiftNetworks provided integrated Digital Services in-room throughout the camp including:

• Foxtel and Free-To-Air (FTA) television services with electronic program guide
• FTA radio services
• Capped user-pay Movies on Demand
• VoIP telephony (with capped and integrated billing)
• 2 levels of Internet access – via television and PC access
• Individual Profile / Smart Card Access and Billing System
• Messaging system to provide inter-room and camp-wide messaging
• Emergency Warning System Integration
• Customised Static and Dynamic Content including integration of client's corporate branding throughout
• Ongoing network management and support
• Total project design, engineering and project management
• Full cabling, reticulation and earthworks

Outcomes

Challenges

• The camp accommodates a range of contractors and employees therefore the billing system had to support a variety of charging models
• Remote and isolated location
• Limited prevailing services
• Harsh environment necessitated ruggedised network equipment
• A VSAT solution was required to provide carrier service

Key Outcomes

The project was delivered on time and on budget and deemed an overall success. As a result of this successful project, Swift Networks has been awarded preferred supplier status and has been contracted to provide services to a 1,600-person mining construction and operations site.