Connected Neighbourhoods

Four years after the launch of Telstra's Smart Community initiative, over 70 residential developments around Australia are making use of smart wiring for the delivery of communications infrastructure.

Four years after the launch of Telstra's Smart Community initiative, over 70 residential developments around Australia are making use of smart wiring for the delivery of communications infrastructure.

Developers such as Slatterleys, Delfin Lend Lease, Stockland, Heritage Pacific and Mirvac are working with Telstra to install communications technology across entire estates and neighbourhoods.

Smart Wiring is in partnership with Telstra to ensure homes in a Telstra Smart Community - of which there are 94,000 so far - will be smart wired at the building stage.

Accredited smart wired builders and electricians ensure the copper wire is in place to allow residents access to high-quality telecommunication, entertainment and home automation from the moment they walk in.

The Telstra Velocity fibre optic network gives residents access to Foxtel Digital, high-speed internet, free-to-air television, fixed line phone the Next G mobile services.

To encourage residents to take up these services, Telstra Smart Community developers are making a contribution towards Telstra telecommunications eligible charges for the first 12 months.

Telstra's National Marketing Manager of Urban Development, Fleur Barlow, says that customer surveys indicate a 95% very good/excellent satisfaction with the arrangement.

It is expected that 250,000 homes will be smart wired in Telstra Smart Communities over the next decade. To encourage more smart wired accredited contractors on board, Telstra has announced it will be holding a series of Telstra velocity wiring standard forums across Australia over the coming months.

"The forums will present Telstra Velocity wiring standards that are achievable, efficient and effective - with the aim to ensure homes are wired so residents maximise the benefits of their network," says Ms Fleur.

Electrical contractors, builders or developers who want to find out more about getting involved in Telstra's Smart Community initiative should visit the website www.telstrasmartcommunity.com