Smart Infrastructure Planning in New Communities

Introduction

The Western Sydney 5G Trial is one of the 4 digital commitments in the Western Sydney City Deal. It will find new ways for mobile network providers to work with councils and property developers. The project aims to provide mobile coverage to new areas, while homes are being built. Providing areas with network connections before people move in is cheaper and less disruptive than installing it after. 

The trial will focus on growth areas in Western Sydney. It will look at ways mobile networks, developers and councils can work together.  

Challenge 

More than 38,000 homes will be delivered in the Western Parkland City by 2026. New greenfield areas will double the urban area of the Parkland City. The development front will stretch across a 72-kilometre corridor. Usually, these new outer suburbs aren’t serviced with mobile connectivity until after they are populated. 

This approach leaves our newest communities disconnected. It means residents are underserviced and unable to participate fully in the digital ecosystem. Residents also face disruption when new mobile infrastructure is built into busy neighbourhoods. 

Delivering telecommunications infrastructure is complicated. The groups involved must first agree on where to invest and then navigate the regulatory environment. 

Solution  

This project trials a collaborative approach to delivering 5G coverage in new developments.  

The pilot directly engages with developers, councils and mobile network operators. It identifies what considerations and approaches will lead to better outcomes for those involved. It aims to deliver immediate mobile reception for everyone in these newly constructed suburbs. 

The pilot is establishing the best ways to support the rapid deployment of mobile network infrastructure. It will look at opportunities to improve current State and Local Planning mechanisms to serve community needs better.  

Network completion and activation are targeted for late 2024. This infrastructure delivery will be subject to approvals.   

Expected outcomes  

Smart Places outcome areas:

• equity, accessibility and inclusion
• collaboration and connection.

The project will also provide:

• improved digital outcomes for new communities in Western Sydney.  
• a standard approach for the delivery of telecommunications infrastructure.  
• better economic and social opportunities for residents in new communities. 

Resources

Want to implement a similar project? Visit our Smart Places Playbook for help.

Explore other smart projects in NSW