Nava and Fujitsu to build trans-Australia broadband network

International broadband developer Nava Networks today confirmed it would be constructing a high capacity terrestrial broadband network from Perth to Melbourne as part of its Nava-1 cable system.

Nava-1 will link Singapore, Jakarta, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney with a high capacity submarine and terrestrial network when it is completed in 2002. As part of this process Nava Networks indicated, with its building partner Fujitsu, that the Desktop Study to select the optimal route from Perth to Melbourne via Adelaide has commenced.

Nava Networks' Director of Networks, Mr Brett Worrall, said that the Desktop Study was an important step in determining which route would best complement the international build from Singapore to Perth.

"It is important that we closely scrutinise the route options we have available and determine which route offers the most reliable and diverse opportunity for our customers. We are pleased to have moved to this phase of the project which is an important part of the Nava-1 building program."

Fujitsu's Manager Business Development Telecommunications, Mr Alan Monsted, said that Fujitsu was pleased to bring its vast array of experience to the Nava-1 project, particularly in the area of running networks across Australia.

"The build across Western and South Australia requires careful consideration, taking into account various issues including the climate, unique terrain, sensitive cultural and heritage locations and the requirements of Nava and its carrier customer base. Therefore the completion of the Desktop Study is key to the detailed route selection."

Mr Worrall also indicated that this work complemented the excellent progress made by Nava toward concluding its marine permitting and landing party arrangements.

"The rate of progress has been significant and we look forward to announcing final details of these arrangements over the next few weeks."