AARNet on behalf of the universities of Victoria and CSIRO requests proposals for the provision of optical fibre links and associated services for Stage 1 of the Victorian Educational and Research Network (VERN).

VERN is a Victoria wide advanced optical fibre network initially planned to supplement the existing microwave based Victorian Regional Network (VRN) and ultimately to replace it and the existing wide area networks. VERN is the Victorian access network of AARNet.

VERN is a staged project and this RFP is for supply of optical fibre for VERN Stage 1. Stage 1 provides connection to most major Melbourne metropolitan sites and the regional sites at Werribee, Geelong and Ballarat without resilience. Optical fibre network may utilise leased, purchased or built optical fibre infrastructure.

A range of proposals will be considered including the provision of fibre, provision of right of way, provision of conduit infrastructure access and build partnerships. Partnership proposals which include equipment will be considered however, VERN strategy is to use planned equipment upgrades to enhance network performance, and a later RFP is planned to call for equipment proposals.
11:46:06 AM    

Contracts have been signed to build a new fibre optic network boosting telecommunication services and regional development across Victoria, and creating improved internet services.

The Victorian Rail Track Corporation (VicTrack) has appointed Visionstream to design, install and maintain a new fibre optic network along the Regional Fast Rail corridors to Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong and the Latrobe Valley. The network will upgrade signal and rail communications for fast, reliable and safe rail operations along the four corridors. The network's surplus capacity will also be marketed to deliver improved and lower cost internet services to more than 700,000 regional Victorians.

The new network will promote smart industries in regional Victoria, generating high-skilled jobs over the long term. The approximate lengths of the network are:

* Geelong corridor: 73km * Bendigo corridor: 162km * Latrobe corridor: 158km * Ballarat corridor: 119km

The cable will terminate in VicTrack's communication facility in central Melbourne.

[Source: Victorian department of Infrastructure ]
11:20:02 AM