Transpower to upgrade telecommunications network

Media release
23 May 2007

Transpower to upgrade its telecommunications network

Transpower announced today that it has awarded a five-year contract to Alcatel-Lucent to upgrade its existing telecommunications network to a new multi-service based private communications network which will connect 192 sites across New Zealand.

Transpower operates a very large telecommunications network across New Zealand. The telecommunications network underpins the core functions of Transpower as the owner and operator of New Zealand’s National Grid. Grid protection systems, monitoring and control, and market systems all rely on secure and reliable communications in order to function effectively.

Chief Executive Dr Ralph Craven said that this new telecommunications contract and upgrade is part of Transpower’s continuing program of investment in New Zealand’s National Grid – investments that will ensure the increasing demand for electricity is met now and into the future.

“The challenge we faced in upgrading our communications network was how to bring together our existing legacies and future technologies, and operate these from a single platform that can be easily managed. Alcatel-Lucent has helped us meet that challenge with a highly reliable and achievable communications solution that will deliver operational savings and efficiencies into the future.”

As part of the proposed five-year contract, Alcatel-Lucent will be responsible for the project management, network design and integration, procurement, deployment, operations, and maintenance of the multi-vendor network.

Dr Craven said that a number of benefits will result from the upgrade of the telecommunications network.

“Being able to deliver essential telecommunications services to complete all of the investment projects outlined in Transpower’s 2007 Annual Planning Report; having a resilient and flexible telecommunications network to meet the growing demands on the grid; greater monitoring and control of connections to the grid and being able to operate more efficiently, are all key components of ensuring a secure and reliable electricity supply for New Zealanders,” he said.

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