Telecommunications and Compliance Checklist for Builders and Developers

Organising the telecommunications connection on your next development, doesn’t need to be a hassle—in fact, it can be straightforward and stress-free when you partner with an experienced contractor and have a clear understanding of the steps you need to take.

As a developer, you are responsible for the telecommunications infrastructure on your site, while your network provider is responsible for the external connections to the network. 

Coordinating the timing and ensuring compliance is key to receiving your certificate of occupancy at the end of your project. 

But if you’re new to the process, or have struggled with it before, it can be hard to know where to start. So to help you get the ball rolling and stay on track, we’ve put together this handy telecommunications and compliance checklist of the tasks you need to complete to get your development nbn-ready on time, minus the headaches.

1) Submit your online application to the correct network provider for your site.

To apply, you will need some key information, which will likely include the development address, number of new nbn connections, development details and plans, contact details of the applicant and developer, and billing details. Complete your application three months prior to occupation for small subdivisions (two residential units) and six months prior for anything larger at a minimum, but earlier if possible, to allow enough time for your network provider to complete external connections.

2) Engage your preferred telecommunications contractor.

Partnering with an experienced and suitably qualified telecommunications contractor for the installation of the internal infrastructure is a must if you want a smooth and easy process. To find out how we can help, you can reach our team via phone on 8592 8100, or if you have all the relevant plans and details ready, lodge an online application form to obtain a fast and competitive quote. 

3) Sign and return any documents issued by the network provider.

When your online application with the network provider is processed, you’ll receive some documentation that should be immediately actioned, for example, nbn Co’s SDA (Small Developer Agreement). Be sure to get these back to the provider promptly to keep the ball rolling and avoid unnecessary delays.

4) Obtain approval of your pre-design (nbn Co only).

Submitting your plans in the right format, and following the exact guidelines and requirements is essential to obtaining timely approval. If you need help drafting accurate plans, our design team can assist with AutoCAD, AYCA, NBN Pathway or Telecommunications Plans that will meet G645:2017 standards.

5) Approve and pay for the quote supplied by the network provider.

Once your plans have been approved, you’ll receive a quote from the network provider that outlines the expected time frame for the external connection works, and the costs to be paid under the developer contribution charge. At the time of writing, the charge is capped at $600 (incl. GST) per premises for multiple dwelling developments. Be sure to approve the quote and make payment as soon as possible to avoid any delays.

6) Carry out installation of underground pit and pipe works within your property.

This needs to be completed exactly as specified on the approved plans, which is why it is highly recommended you hire a telecommunications contractor to complete the works. At MCS Connect we guarantee our work will meet the requirements every time, giving you peace of mind there will be no out of pocket costs for non-compliance.

7) Submit as-built telecommunications plan and arrange inspection.

Once works are complete, you can submit the plan to your network provider and organise a time for an on-site inspection of the pit and pipe. If any of the works fail to meet the required standard it will be identified and will need to be rectified before the next step.

8) Finalise the sign-off and provisioning letter.

As soon as both the onsite and street works are complete and approved, you can contact your network provider to sign off the development as ‘Fibre Ready Pit and Pipe’ and request a provisioning letter for your development.

9) Submit the required documentation to council for approval.

At this point you have everything you need to submit to your local council for your certificate of occupancy—and your new development is now nbn-ready for its new tenants!

Get the right support from the start

When it comes to completing technical works like telecommunications, the right support makes the world of difference. It’s highly recommended that you engage with a suitably qualified and experienced telecommunications contractor as early as possible. That way, you’ll be supported throughout the process as you tick each box on the checklist—and your development will be nbn-ready on time and with zero hassles. 

If you have a question about the article, or would like to find out more about our services and how we can help, contact our friendly team for an obligation-free chat on 03 8592 8100.