Telstra tapped for Defence project

Defence has tasked the telecommunications giant with supporting the development of its critical network and communications infrastructure.

The Department of Defence has extended Telstra’s Terrestrial Communications Services contract, valued at over $1 billion.

Over the next five years, Telstra is expected to support the delivery of defence capabilities under Joint Project 2047 – a program to improve Defence networked communications infrastructure.

The project, which recently achieved final operating capability, is touted to have enhanced network performance and resilience, while also supporting voice, video and other collaborative tools and services.

Capabilities offered via JP 2047 were leveraged during Operation Bushfire Assist and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Services delivered under the extended contract are also tipped to meet increasing demand on telecommunications services, ensuring the network is equipped to protect critical infrastructure from malicious cyber actors.

According to Defence, local SMEs will be offered partnership opportunities over the next five years.

“Defence’s partnership with Telstra will drive the next evolution of Defence telecommunications capability and services, which is critical to supporting Defence’s mission in defending Australia and its national interests,” Defence noted in a statement.