Downer, Ventia awarded $100M NBN contracts

NBN Co has awarded contracts to Downer EDI and Ventia, with both worth an estimated $100 million to each of the respective companies over a three year period.

Both beginning in October, Downer’s business deployment module contract sees it update the national broadband network builder’s network with extensions and the connection of full fibre technology to businesses in large parts of Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and NSW.

Specifically, the scope of work includes network inspection and minor design activities, underground pit and pipe works and construction of aerial or underground fibre for enterprise Ethernet, GPON and Smart Places offerings.

Downer CEO Peter Tompkins claimed the contract reinforces the integrated services company as a “key long-term NBN delivery partner”.

“Downer has been working closely with NBN for more than a decade and we look forward to continuing our partnership and optimising the NBN network to support the success of businesses across Australia,” he said.

In an announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Downer also said its contract had an option for a two-year extension.

Meanwhile, Ventia’s on-demand business deployment module contract involves the design, survey and construction of full fibre technology to businesses in large parts of Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and NSW.

The fibre technologies for Ventia’s contract include enterprise Ethernet, gigabit-cabale passive optical network (including NBN Select and Technology Choice) and Smart Places.

Ventia group executive for telecommunications Mark Ralston claimed the infrastructure services provider has the national presence and the ability to service large-scale projects like its recently won deal.

Last year in April, both Downer and Ventia were picked for NBN upgrades to move one million properties’ connections from the fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) network to fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP).

In addition, NBN business service contracts were awarded to UGL for Queensland and Victoria and Enerven for SA, WA and the NT, also commencing from October. In their statements announcing their contracts, neither one of these two companies shared any value associated with their deals.