Telecom Provisions Shake Up Greenfield Projects

Policy changes putting the onus on developers to consider telecommunications provisions in the same way as utilities have been met with an uncharacteristic silence in the industry.

The changes to the Telecommunications in New Developments (TIND) Policy 2011 were introduced on February 17 after consultation last year, and are likely to most impact developers of greenfield sites.

The Federal Government said that “a significant number of new communities have reported inadequate, or no, mobile coverage when moving into their new homes, and this can remain the case for years”.

According to the Department of Communications, when mobile coverage is not included in the design of new developments or expanding suburbs, there “will be diminished digital connectivity and inclusion outcomes for residents in those areas”.

Head of strategic partnerships at digital infrastructure specialists Waveconn Erin Buyers said they had been working with developers to deliver this infrastructure. 

“We are hearing from our development partners that, in this age of customer expectations around connectivity, having no or poor mobile coverage in their developments is impacting sales,” Buyers said.

“From the salesperson at the display homes, through to potential purchasers, the entire lifecycle of development and future housing relies on reliable and available connectivity. 

“It is concerning that many of the developers I speak to were not aware of the proposed changes.”

The Urban Developer contacted the Urban Development Institute of Australia as well as three developers focused on the greenfield space, all of whom said they could not comment on the TIND changes at this time. 

The mystification and/or reticence to discuss these challenges is perhaps inevitable given the sensitivities around the placement of digital infrastructure to both buyers and the environment. 

Waveconn submitted suggestions to the consultation year which highlighted some of issues with the changes. 

In their current form, the TIND changes will impact all developments regardless of size or sector, be it residential, industrial or commercial. 

“Smaller projects of just a few homes may not warrant dedicated mobile towers and would create unnecessary red tape,” Buyers said. 

The PCA said there was a “lack of detail” in the changes, which created uncertainty for the development industry. 

In their submission to the consultation last year, the Property Council of Australia raised concerns that the expectations to address connectivity, carrier engagement and site selection for mobile infrastructure weighed heavily towards developers. 

Additional development costs are “unequally weighted” to the developer, the PCA said, which might also have “concerning” implications for housing affordability.