Optus Business has won a $20 million contract to boost Townsville City Council's communication and IT capabilities.
Part of the project include the provision of digital service channels for the community, according to Optus, which will work closely with the council to design and integrate connectivity, data and analytics, sensor networks and smartphone applications.
Townsville mayor Jenny Hill said: “The scope of the contract includes basics such as telecommunication services and software deployment for our staff but it also includes things like improved connectivity to sites including our water and wastewater treatment facilities so that these can be better managed remotely, particularly in times of extreme weather events."
Hill said tax payers expect better access to the council services via mobile and web services. "This partnership will provide us with the services needed to take full advantage of mobile solutions and cloud systems, while offering better digital services to resident."
"The implementation of smart cities is a key development focus for council. We are confident that Optus and the partners that they will bring to Townsville will allow us to take advantage of world-leading practice and showcase the innovative north," Hill said.
CRN asked Optus for more detail on these partners but the company did not respond in time for publication.
John Paitaridis, Optus Business managing director, said in a statement: "Through significant infrastructure investment we will support council operations with greater real-time flexibility, mobility and resilience enabled through Optus’ next generation of mobile, cloud, security and managed services."
Optus will also deliver improvements in digital security and reliability to internet access.
Last week, Optus announced plans to spend an additional $5 million to improve mobile phone coverage across the Townsville region over the next two years and a further $6 million to improve services along the Flinders Highway.
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