Confirming previous reports, Huawei has won a $136 million contract to build and maintain Perth’s new rail communications system – a major PR coup for the Chinese company who has continued to reject national security concerns.
For several months, Huawei has rebuffed claims it may be banned from Australia’s 5G build, citing links to the Chinese government.
Following federal government clearance, Huawei has now been tasked with building and maintaining a digital radio system, plus delivering associated data services for Perth’s rail network.
The Chinese-based company will deliver the project on behalf of the Public Transport Authority (PTA) alongside UGL.
The ‘Radio Systems Replacement’ project is set to commence later this month, with completion in 2021.
The project will deliver an end-to-end digital radio system across the PTA’s electrified rail network, and WA’s new Forrestfield Airport Link twin tunnels.
In a joint venture with UGL, Huawei will establish and maintain the radio system for an initial period of five years, with the option to extend.
Huawei Australia Chairman, John Lord, asserts a similar system has already been deployed across Sydney Trains and Ambulance NSW for nearly a decade.
