The rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) is gathering momentum, and the hunt is on for skilled Australian and New Zealand telecommunications contractors and installers.

Much of the search for the necessary skilled tradespeople and local providers to facilitate the NBN is being undertaken by a government-funded, not-for-profit organisation called Industry Capability Network (ICN).

ICN’s role is to help place thousands of Australian and New Zealand small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in contact with major state and national contractors, and the NBN rollout is currently one of the largest projects ICN is co-ordinating.

ICN’s national sector manager for the NBN, Dr David Anderson, says the group is currently seeking local companies to help with NBN’s Fibre to the Home (FTTH) and satellite installation projects.

“The NBN rollout should be very big news indeed for any competent Australian or New Zealand telecommunications company,” he says.

“We are looking for capable, qualified, licensed installation companies with experienced tradespeople such as linesmen, electricians and allied telecommunications people to help build the network.

“There are opportunities with NBN Co prime contractors right now and the retail service provider companies that will offer services on the NBN network in years to come.”

David says the immediate needs focus on connecting single and multi-dwelling units (MDUs) to the NBN network via fibre and satellite, depending on the location.

“In-house installations for single dwelling units will typically involve a service drop cable from the street or satellite dish to the external communications cabinet, the supply and installation of an internal communications cabinet combined with a home wiring enclosure, if utilised, and supplying the pathway from the external communications cabinet location to the internal fibre wall outlet location,” he says. “

External requirements might include the supply and installation of an external communications cabinet and dish or external combined electrical and communications cabinet, extending the service drop conduit from the property boundary to the external communications cabinet, and providing for power and earthing requirements.

“In-house installation for MDUs for both fibre and satellite will include external and internal cable feed MDUs, which will have varying connection systems and points depending on the specific type of MDU involved.”

With the NBN rollout commencing in Tasmania and being progressively extended throughout other states, local Australian and New Zealand telecommunications companies with the necessary capabilities have a lot to potentially play for.

“We want to employ and retain the skills and expertise of Australian and New Zealand regional manufacturing and service industries.

“ICN provides vital assistance for those businesses keen to get to the next level, but who don’t necessarily have the right contacts and experience in knowing how to tender for larger contracts.”

The first step in the process, according to David, is to register with the ICN Gateway website.

“Registering with ICN Gateway is free and confidential.

“Once a company is registered with ICN Gateway, they can search all ICN projects at their leisure or be automatically notified by us of any projects matching their skill set.

“Their company profile and preferred industries are also given to project and procurement managers who are searching for those types of suppliers and services.

“It’s a win-win for local businesses, major contractors and the Australian and New Zealand economies as a whole. “Register with ICN Gateway now to make the most of the NBN rollout.”