Over $1.6 billion of work has been awarded to contractors to build Australia’s network infrastructure for the national broadband network over the next five years.

The National Broadband Network Co has signed three equipment contracts with Warren & Brown Technologies, Prysmian and Corning to supply network equipment and cabling needs for the rollout of the NBN network. The equipment suppliers have been given initial purchase orders worth about half their total contract value.

NBN Co CEO Mike Quigley said, “Part of our purchasing strategy is to make a substantial up front purchase commitment to encourage suppliers to invest in their Australian supply chain ramp-up as we head to volume rollout. They can invest with confidence in plant, equipment, recruitment and training to meet the needs of our national project.”

Victoria-based fibre optic equipment manufacturer, Warren & Brown Technologies is the only Australian company of the three, and will provide optical distribution frames and sub-racks that will connect NBN Co’s equipment to external cabling.

NBN Co has also awarded a contract for multiple types of equipment worth up to $1.2 billion over five years to US-based Corning. NBN Co will work with Corning who will enhance their Australia-based manufacture and assembly capacity to meet the needs of the NBN rollout.

NBN Co awarded a third equipment contract worth $300 million over five years to Prysmian, a global manufacturer of telecommunications cabling with manufacturing facilities in Dee Why and Liverpool, NSW.

Quigley said, “NBN Co is pleased to be working with a 100% Australian-owned company in Warren & Brown and two global manufacturers in Prysmian and Corning both of whom have significant investments in Australian operations and who are able to leverage their global research and development spend and provide reliable, high quality and durable products.”