Telecom New Zealand future power foundations-through risk control & asset management

Telecom New Zealand (Telecom)'s network is accommodated in buildings and supported by infrastructure, some of which dates back to the 1950s. Much of that infrastructure has been upgraded and replaced as it has come to the end of its useful life. Competition for internal funding and drive for increased efficiency has necessitated investigations into methods which will lead to a reduction in capital spend and maintenance costs without compromising performance. In parallel with this, Telecom is planning the rollout of a new generation network that will deliver existing services and extend the network capability to pick up new data and video demand. To ensure spend on plant operation and short term investments is minimised during the transition period, it has been necessary to adopt a risk control asset management approach. This involves a methodology that integrates plant replacement and the extension of existing plant life and to support the growth in demand at sites that will be retained in this new network environment. In New Zealand and Australia the infrastructure industry has developed an asset management standard based around local council infrastructure of roads, water services etc. Telecom has followed this standard and developed an asset management plan to assist all those involved within Telecom in infrastructure management. It is a tool to: illustrate procedures, assist in determining priorities and identify additional tools required to ensure more effective management.