Staff writers

Australian infrastructure stalwart Transfield Services has been picked to roll out fibre optic cable for the National Broadband Network across metropolitan and south-east Sydney in a deal potentially worth up to $300 million.

The new contract will require Transfield Services to build the passive network from the fibre access node (FAN) all the way to the box outside the home. This physical connection known as “Build Drops” (house pre-connections) will enable occupants to order a service from their chosen provider.

The initial contract is worth $170 million over two years with the option for two extensions of one year each.

Transfield Services will put it experience in the design, construction and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure following its history of multi-million contracts with NBN Co.

The company was awarded a three-year contract valued at $41 million in May 2012 to provide comprehensive facilities maintenance services for all NBN Co sites across Australia. This followed a two year contract worth $133 million with NBN Co design and construct the fibre optic network in Victoria.

Transfield Services managing director and CEO, Graeme Hunt said this project is a “great opportunity” for the company to continue to be part of one of Australia’s “most significant infrastructure projects ever undertaken”.

“Our extensive experience in the end-to-end delivery of services to substantial infrastructure assets positions us to benefit from the ongoing investment in the NBN,” Mr Hunt said.