Project At A Glance
Customer:
Project:
Personnel Supported:
Crews Supported:
Coverage Requirement:
Coverage Delivered:
Communications Trailers:
Channels:
Network Connectivity:
Power Source:
Battery Autonomy:
UGL CPB
HumeLink Transmission Project
Approximately 40
3 Stringing Crews
25-30km
Approximately 45km
3
4 Dedicated Channels
Starlink Primary with 4G Redundancy
Solar and Battery
Up to 6 Days
Background
UGL CPB engaged TechRentals to provide a mission-critical private UHF communications solution for stringing crews working on the HumeLink transmission project.
HumeLink is one of Australia’s largest energy infrastructure projects, connecting Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle in regional New South Wales through approximately 385km of new transmission lines and supporting infrastructure.
To support construction activities, UGL CPB required a reliable communications network for approximately 40 personnel working across three stringing crews in remote and geographically dispersed locations.
Challenge
UGL CPB required a communications solution capable of delivering reliable coverage across a minimum 25-30km section of the project corridor while maintaining continuous communications between crews operating in remote and challenging terrain.
As project requirements grew from an initial 10km coverage area to 25-30km, a more advanced communications solution was required.
A key challenge was designing a network that could provide dependable coverage as crews progressed from the Wagga Wagga region into more elevated and alpine terrain.
Traditionally, linking multiple communications trailers requires microwave links, which involve specialist antenna alignment and work-at-height activities. UGL CPB was seeking a safer, more efficient solution that would simplify deployment without compromising reliability.
Testimonial
“TechRentals provided a reliable communications solution that kept our crews connected across the project corridor while simplifying deployment and supporting our safety requirements.”
Aidan Mannion
Project Engineer - Stringing HumeLink West JV
Solution
TechRentals designed and deployed a private Motorola UHF communications network using three solar-powered communications trailers strategically positioned throughout the project corridor. Utilising a Motorola IP Site Connect system; the trailers were linked into a single seamless communications network using Starlink connectivity with 4G redundancy. Delivered as a tailored managed service, TechRentals was responsible for the design, deployment, support and ongoing management of the solution throughout the project.
The solution incorporated:
✅ 3 x Solar Communications Trailers
✅ Motorola UHF radios and accessories
✅ Four dedicated communications channels
✅ Starlink IP linking between trailer sites
✅ 4G network redundancy
✅ Project-specific ACMA licensed frequencies
✅ Victron smart solar charging and battery management systems
A key differentiator was TechRentals’ ability to perform detailed RF planning and terrain analysis before deployment. By carefully evaluating geographical elevation profiles and coverage requirements, the team identified optimal trailer locations and engineered a solution tailored to the project’s unique geographical challenges.
Benefits
✅ Supported a workforce of approximately 40 personnel
✅ Delivered communications across approximately 45km
✅ Provided 4 dedicated communications channels for critical operations
✅ Successfully networked 3 communications trailers
✅ Delivered up to 6 days of off-grid operation
✅ Supported a long-term project deployments
Enhanced Safety - The dedicated channel architecture ensured crews always had access to critical communications without the risk of channel congestion. The Starlink-based network design also significantly reduced the work-at-height activities traditionally associated with microwave-linked trailer deployments.
Reliable Coverage - Detailed RF plotting, terrain analysis and project planning enabled TechRentals to deliver reliable communications coverage across challenging terrain and remote work areas.
Improved Operational Efficiency - The Starlink-linked architecture simplified deployment, reduced setup complexity and provided greater flexibility as work fronts progressed along the transmission corridor.
Reliable Off-Grid Performance - Extensive solar generation and battery storage enabled each trailer to operate independently in remote environments, providing up to six days of autonomy without external power.
Remote Monitoring - Victron smart solar technology enabled remote monitoring of battery performance, charging status and overall system health, allowing proactive management of the communications infrastructure throughout the project.
Managed Service - TechRentals delivered the solution as a managed service rather than a traditional equipment purchase. This approach provided UGL CPB with a tailored communications solution without the upfront capital investment or the operational burden of managing the infrastructure internally.
TechRentals was responsible for the design, deployment, and commissioning of the network, allowing project teams to remain focused on construction activities while maintaining confidence in the critical communications supporting daily operations.
Project Outcome
By combining detailed RF planning, Starlink-enabled site linking and solar-powered communications infrastructure, TechRentals delivered a reliable, scalable communications network that exceeded coverage expectations and supported safe, efficient operations across the HumeLink transmission corridor.
The solution successfully provided continuous communications for approximately 40 personnel across three stringing crews, delivering around 45km of coverage while reducing deployment complexity and minimising work-at-height risks.
