Damage to the Telstra network continues to be an area of concern. In the past four financial years, Telstra has had an average of 20,000 incidents of network damage nationally. That’s nearly 55 damages per day. The Network Integrity area ensures compliance with the strategies put in place to avoid damage and to protect Telstra’s valuable assets.
Network Integrity works to avoid the risks of:
- Injury or death to workers or the general public
- Damage to Telstra’s assets
- The significant costs of repairing damage faced by Telstra and those parties responsible
- Disruption to services and inconvenience to Telstra customers.
Under no circumstances should anyone try to move or alter Telstra’s network infrastructure without authorisation. Under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) only persons authorised by Telstra can undertake work on Telstra’s assets or enter a facility owned or operated by Telstra. Interfering (including unauthorised entry or tampering) with the infrastructure is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
Local government authorities, developers and builders can avoid the costs of rework and repairs by consulting Telstra Network Integrity about their proposed plans prior to commencement of works. Telstra Network Integrity looks forward to working with the building industry to achieve the best outcome for our customers.
Dial Before You Dig
Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) is a free referral service that helps provide information on underground pipes, cables and assets for registered utility companies anywhere in Australia. Using Dial Before You Dig can prevent damages, disruption, injury and even death. The services should be used every time the ground is broken. Should projects require cable location, Telstra Accredited Plant Locator (a list is provided on DBYD’s plans) must be engaged.
Please contact DBYD on 1100 (free call) or go to www.1100.com.au