New partnership between Jemena and major telcos brings 5G infrastructure to Melbourne’s north-west

Monday 21 November 2022

A new partnership between Jemena and Australia’s leading telecommunications companies will bring 5G technology to the north-west suburbs of Melbourne, improving local mobile internet speeds today and helping facilitate the possibilities that 5G technology could bring to connectivity in homes and businesses in the future.

Jemena has signed agreements with Optus and Telstra to facilitate the installation of 5G small cell infrastructure on power poles across the Jemena Electricity Network. These agreements will deliver and improve 5G telecommunications network coverage in the local area, resulting in faster mobile internet access, quicker data speeds and better voice call quality. 

Small cell technology is subject to strict regulations to ensure facilities and devices operate safely. In addition, Jemena has consulted extensively with industry experts and other electricity distributors on best practices regarding the safe installation and operation of small cells on electricity network infrastructure to ensure this technology can be delivered safely and without impact to customers, community and environment.

By co-locating small cell infrastructure on Jemena’s existing power pole infrastructure, the visual impact on the streetscape will be minimised. The initial applications to install small cells on Jemena power poles are currently under review. Installation is expected to commence across the Jemena Electricity Network in the coming months.

Jemena Partnerships & Contract Manager, Courtney Fabian, said that partnering with Optus and Telstra to bring 5G technology to our customers was a logical step for the business.

“Telecommunications networks have many synergies with our own network – efficient operations and reliability of both are important to customers. It’s an advantage to everyone that Jemena’s existing infrastructure can play a central role in bringing 5G to the neighbourhoods where we also deliver electricity.

“One day, our electricity network could also benefit from 5G, supporting us to continue to innovate and create smart and sustainable energy solutions. For example, 5G technology, could assist with network diagnostics and metering down the track,” he said.