When Fujitsu approached Kordia to embark on a microwave system installation project for the Optus network upgrade, what seemed impossible to achieve in a short time was successfully completed in two weeks.

The project is critical for Optus to achieve its market commitment of providing 96 per cent mobile coverage nationally by Christmas this year and had to be implemented within a compressed time frame.

Optus Network’s Robert Tan noted the shared purpose, commitment and sheer determination by the teams to get the build done.

“It speaks volumes about the strong collaboration and teamwork between all teams involved,” added Tan.

Kordia’s Specialist Rigging team, headed by Tony Wilkins and Mike Logie, had successfully completed a similar installation in Victoria for Fujitsu and Optus earlier this year. So when the clients called, Kordia was familiar with technical requirements of the task.

Instead of the usual four to six week fabrication time frame, Kordia manufactured the antenna mounts, purchased the appropriate hardware and shipped all equipment to Tasmania within two weeks.

With a team of ten, Kordia then installed the 2.4m microwave dishes, feeders and hardware, planned and tested all equipment at five sites in Tasmania to link Hobart to Launceston for the Optus network.