Brisbane Council opts for Optus over Telstra to provide IP comms services

Stuart Corner
Monday, 20 July 2009 13:37

IT Industry - Strategy

Brisbane City Council has awarded Optus a contract, potentially worth $60m, to manage a total refresh of its telecommunications network infrastructure, moving it to a fully managed, IP-based system, ousting incumbent Telstra.

The contract is for three years with two two year optional extensions and, Optus says, will be worth around $60m if it runs for the full seven years. It will see Optus implement a new data network using the Optus Evolve IP network and a new Cisco IP telephony system for use by the council's 8,000 employees and a new Cisco IP contact centre for customer service. Optus will also provide all fixed voice, mobile and data services for the Council, including management of its 3,500+ mobile phone fleet.

According to Optus, it was awarded the contract following a competitive tender which began in late 2008. "In its request for proposals, Brisbane City Council outlined that it wished to embark on a technology and business transformation which would see it move to a fully managed network services environment with improved service levels, the rationalisation of contracts and services, an enhanced service delivery model and significant cost savings," Optus said.

 "As we roll out our solution to Brisbane City Council we will be laying a foundation for the future electronic delivery of government services while also delivering substantial productivity benefits to the Council," John Simon, managing director, Optus Enterprise and Business, said.

Brisbane is Australia's largest city council. Optus also provides similar all of council comms services to Logan council in Queensland.