Fujitsu powers on with upgrade of NSW electricity network

Fujitsu Australia is delivering fibre optic transmission systems and access equipment that will increase the performance and capacity of the signal network controlling distribution of electricity across the New South Wales power grid.

Fujitsu is supplying its robust and reliable Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) transmission equipment to TransGrid, the state-owned corporation responsible for the management and development of the $2 billion NSW high voltage electricity network.

In addition to carrying control circuits for the electricity network, the Fujitsu transmission equipment will also carry data and voice services.

A world leader in the delivery of advanced SDH network solutions, Fujitsu won the tenders for both stages one and two of the multi-million dollar project to upgrade TransGrid's signal network.

"The reliability of the Fujitsu equipment was the cornerstone of our successful bids," Fujitsu Australia Business Development Executive, Telecommunications, Craig Walsh said.

"Fujitsu's equipment is world-renowned for its reliability, and TransGrid has not experienced a single error with the equipment we have already installed in stage one."

After completing the first stage of the project covering northern NSW on time and within budget, Fujitsu is on schedule to complete the second stage covering the southern half of the state by September 2001.

When completed, the network will cover most of the NSW population, extending along the eastern seaboard between the Queensland and Victorian borders, and to the western tablelands.

The key Fujitsu solution consisted of a combination of SDH transmission equipment, access multiplexing equipment and network management software. Fujitsu is also installing and commissioning the network, as well as providing test equipment and training.