Open access telecommunications network

Continued development of digital infrastructure for analogue and digital uses requires underground and above ground assets to be future ready and adapt to changing requirements as council manages its public spaces.   

Inclusion of underground telecommunications infrastructure at the time of capital works projects, operational upgrades or streetscapes provides the physical and wireless connections for future technologies to be added quickly and more cost effectively.  

The international broadband submarine cable and NEXTDC SC1 data centre in Maroochydore provide new layers of digital infrastructure that has not previously been available on the Sunshine Coast. 

Council is working with providers and developers to build an optic fibre corridor that connects telecommunications conduits and pits within new developments to provide multiple path diversity and reduce the risks for businesses requiring an alternative connection to the nbn

High value digitally focused companies which require dedicated optic fibre for high-speed broadband don’t rely on one access option, eg nbn, to connect to their preferred internet provider. 

Often, their decision to relocate to a region such as the Sunshine Coast depends on the availability of multiple, diverse internet paths. 

Over time, multiple telecommunications carriers will build into new developments to services business and residences, damaging pathways and other infrastructure.  

Council secured its own telecommunications carrier licence in 2016 to:  

• Support the international submarine cable and maintain the beach landing.  
• Provide a multi carrier open access network.  
• Minimise the need to dig up gardens, pathways, under bore, trench or bury new ducting or fibres.  
• Reduce the number of telecommunications conduit or pit systems in public spaces.  
• Deliver revenue to maintain the network.  

Multi-path diversity 

• Council is using its telecommunications carrier licence and working with other carriers to build conduits and optic fibre from Beerwah to Caloundra South, Caloundra, through Birtinya Town Centre, along Nicklin Way and into the NEXTDC SC1 data centre in Maroochydore with direct international connectivity via the broadband submarine cable. 
• Council’s dedicated optic fibres to SC1 data centre are expected to be achieved by 2026, in line with Birtinya Town Centre and Caloundra South developments to support existing or new businesses grow with their digital demands. 
• The conduit and optic fibre network being built in addition to the NBN provides the opportunity for multi-path diversity that is critical to high quality digital businesses. 
• An open access network facilitates opportunity for multiple carriers to compete in the region, resulting in cost parity with capital cities and international locations. 
• As a carrier, council does not compete with other retail service providers; instead council provides the infrastructure for other carriers to deliver their services and therefore increase competition and options for businesses, and reduce connectivity costs.    

Telecommunications carrier licence  

Council’s carrier licence provides an integrated approach to successfully manage our telecommunications services.  

• The carrier licence supports the international submarine cable and manages agreements with other carriers to use council’s telecommunications assets.  
• Other telecommunications carriers now use council’s conduits in Maroochydore City Centre, one of 22 locations across the region’s expanding conduit network.  
• Supports a growing network of multi-function poles and other digital infrastructure.  
• There is increasing interest from national and South-East Queensland based carriers to install their optic fibre in council’s conduits.  

Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network (SCIBN) 

In partnership with the Queensland Government, council has invested in better broadband infrastructure, which culminated in the landing and operation of an international broadband submarine cable and cable landing station at Maroochydore in 2020.   

In 2021, council sold the cable landing station to NEXTDC, an established and well-credentialed data centre provider and operator, further enhancing the region’s competitive advantages to future-focused organisations. 

NEXTDC’s SC1 Sunshine Coast Tier 3 N+1 edge data centre provides a direct link to high-speed broadband via the international broadband submarine cable which connects to the 7,000km Japan-Guam-Australia South cable.  

The SCIBN is also helping to reposition perceptions of the Sunshine Coast as a key business and tech savvy region.  Local businesses will ultimately experience a range of benefits from the SCIBN, including:   

• Faster, cheaper data transfer, and path diversity.   
• Accommodation of large-scale data hosting and processing needs.   
• Ultra-high-definition live streaming and digital broadcasting capability, providing local businesses the ability to reach and engage efficiently with national and international markets. 

Several high-profile companies have already established their presence in Maroochydore City Centre, including Genpact’s Global Centre of Excellence, Maropost and local tech integration, Stantec’s sustainable solutions. 

Additionally, the Testing Tech in Paradise program offers a range of investment incentives and services for businesses and organisations to test emerging technologies in a real-world environment using council’s digital infrastructure in the Maroochydore City Centre. 

Smart Infrastructure Manual 

The Smart Infrastructure Manual – Telecommunications and connectivity provides guidance for the design and construction of telecommunications assets in new developments and redevelopments across the Sunshine Coast. 

Within council’s networks, carriers can:    

• Interconnect into alternate conduit paths to service multi-function poles, eg 5G micro cells.  
• Join into council’s multi-path optic fibre networks.   
• Interconnect to other carriers.  

The Smart Infrastructure Manual - Council open access telecommunications network also provides design specifications for existing and future developers to connect carriers and private networks to their development lot and buildings via council’s telecommunications network to deliver businesses with a need for carrier or private network delivered specialised and point-to-point services. 

New benchmark for Australian cities 

• NSW Government is moving towards digital infrastructure investment and using an equivalent to Sunshine Coast Council’s Smart Infrastructure Manual. 
• Walker Corporation has indicated it is using council’s Smart Infrastructure Manual as a model for its developments, including Maroochydore City Centre.