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TECHNOLOGY COMPANY UCG INCENTIVISES VACCINATIONS
An Australasian technology company has today announced a scheme to incentivise its workers and delivery partners across New Zealand and Australia to get vaccinated, if they haven’t been already.
Universal Communications Group is one of New Zealand and Australia’s leading suppliers of Telecommunication services, with an ecosystem of over 1250 employees, contractors and delivery partners who are contracted to carry out project management, installation and maintenance.
Executive Chairman of UCG, Ralf Luna, said the company wanted to demonstrate its commitment to its Australian and New Zealand operations to support an accelerated vaccination programme, which was a key component in getting both economies back to work.
“Today we have announced an incentive scheme where every employee who gets a double dose of the vaccination will receive an extra days’ annual leave. This is in addition to the paid time off we currently provide to staff in order to get their vaccination. In addition, every Delivery Partner technician will receive a $100 gift once they can demonstrate that they have received their double vaccinations,” Mr. Luna said.
“Workers already vaccinated will receive these benefits retrospectively.”
“The vaccine rollout appears to be accelerating across both Australia and New Zealand and both Governments are assuring us that availability is not a problem, so we want to get our recently eligible workforce protected by a double dose of the vaccine as soon as possible,” Mr. Luna said.
“We are also conscious that our work often involves our staff being out and about in the community, and the technicians employed by our Delivery Partners visit people’s businesses and homes to install and maintain our customer’s broadband connections. We are always well prepared for any outbreak with PPE and secure protocols, but the advantage of having our total workforce vaccinated is a further protection for our customers, our workforce and their families,” Mr. Luna said.
“This offer is open to our Australia and New Zealand ecosystem of employees and delivery partner technicians from 1 September 2021 right through to 31 March 2022.
“UCG has a strong culture based on our shared values of being challenging in our thinking, working together to achieve success and doing what is right because it is the right thing to do. This is the right thing to do,” said Mr. Luna.
“We hope that other companies will adopt similar approaches to incentivising their staff to be part of an aggressive vaccination strategy that is going to allow both New Zealand and Australia to open up to the world more quickly, and benefit all of us,” he said.
About UCG:
Universal Communications Group Pty Ltd (UCG) is a leading supplier of telecommunications network design, construction, operations, maintenance and project management services. The company is relied upon by some of Australia’s and New Zealand’s largest telecommunications operators to research, develop, trial and deliver new broadband deployment concepts, smart city technologies and bespoke IoT solutions. UCG works closely with network operators to optimise the performance of their existing and planned infrastructure and to ensure that deployments are delivered fit for purpose and future proofed.
For more information, or to organise an interview, please contact:
Michelle Boag, Boag Allan SVG
+6421 940 884
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UCG’s SMALL BUSINESS SUPPLIERS TO GET BUSINESS SERVICES BOOST
UCG’s SMALL BUSINESS SUPPLIERS TO GET BUSINESS SERVICES BOOST
Telecommunications services corporate UCG (Universal Communications Group) is providing a huge boost to its New Zealand Delivery Partner subcontractors by signing them all up as full members of the EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association NZ) to enable them to have full access to legal, human resources, employee relations and business support and training services.
UCG is one of New Zealand and Australia’s leading suppliers of a range of telecommunications design, construction and maintenance services, specialising in next generation networks.
“Our Delivery Partners are a key part of our ecosystem of providing programme management of installation and maintenance services to the telecommunications sector, the construction industry and infrastructure providers,” said UCG’s NZ Executive General Manager, Roger Crellin.
“The current economic climate is a challenging one for small businesses in New Zealand and we want to do everything we can to help the small businesses that support our work,” he said.
“Full membership of the EMA means they can access focused specific advice on employment issues where they need guidance and also have constant access to advice on how to improve employee relations,” said Mr Crellin.
The support from UCG includes access to the nationwide EMA network which includes Business NZ, Business Central, Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Otago Southland Employers’ Association.
“Membership of the EMA will support the principals of our Delivery Partners (DPs) by providing them with the business advice to help them better manage and scale their business. This will enable the DPs to easily obtain qualified and comprehensive employment relations support and upskilling opportunities, including access to education, training events and forums held by the EMA.
“We want to support our DPs to grow and become the most stable, responsible and compliant employers possible in these times of challenging compliance and legislative change,” Mr Crellin said.
Benefits of the new programme include:
• Advice line 8am to 8pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to 6pm Friday
• Website extensive resources on call 24/7
• A-Z guides with over
• Briefings, personal seasonal updates on all matters commercial, advocate and HR legal, delivered from Kaitaia to Taupo by EMA and nationwide by other regions, as well as a virtual webinar
• Events networking, webinars (some no charge) on all topical matters (e.g.) vaccinations
• Training membership heavily discounted prices for all public training courses (over 70) as well as OSH qualifications which are ITO recognised. 120 e-learning courses in the library
• Bulletin weekly updates from Employment Authority findings, legislation updates and risks
• Direct access to an Account Manager for general membership support
• Partners’ discounts with nib Insurance, Z Energy, Malcolm Pacific Immigration, NZ Payroll Association
For further information please contact Roger Crellin, 027-7744420 or Michelle Boag, 021-940884
News
UCG HOSTS AUSTRALIAN TRADE COMMISSIONER VISIT
UCG’s Auckland Office hosted a visit on Thursday 15 April from Australian Consul-General and Senior Trade Commissioner Craig Knowles. The visit was prompted by the strong relationship that UCG has with the Queensland Trade and Investment Office.
UCG Executive General Manager Roger Crellin took the opportunity to show Mr Knowles the new ENE.HUB SMART.NODE ® technology that is underpinning the development of Smart Cities. Addressing UCG staff, Mr Knowles talked about the key role that fibre networks and connections play in delivering health and education infrastructure.
Below: Hon Craig Knowles addressing UCG Auckland staff
Above: Roger Crellin, UCG Executive General Manager, New Zealand, showing Australian Trade Commissioner Craig Knowles the ENE.HUB SMART.NODE ® . Also pictured is Richard Simpson, Director of the Queensland Trade and Investment Office
News
UCG WINS BID FOR WORLD BANK SUPPORTED CONTRACT TO BRING FIBRE CONNECTIVITY TO ISOLATED PACIFIC ISLANDS
Universal Communications Group (UCG) has achieved a major win by being awarded a tender to
deliver critical telecommunications infrastructure to the Federated States of Micronesia in a project
supported by the World Bank. UCG will design a Fibre to the Home network in the three main
islands of Yap, Pohnpei and the Kosrae States of Micronesia, a project which UCG Group CEO
Muralee Siva describes as a “game-changer” for the Pacific nation.
The Federated States of Micronesia is an archipelago of 607 islands covering 2.6 million sq km just
north of the equator in the western Pacific Ocean. UCG is one of New Zealand and Australia’s
leading suppliers of a range of broadband design and construction services, particularly for next
generation broadband networks. The contract was tendered by Federated States of Micronesia
Telecommunications Cable (FSMT Cable), supported by grant funding from the World Bank.
FSMT Cable is an open access wholesale only infrastructure provider and is a key part of the FSM
Government’s strategy to unlock the digital potential of the nation. “This is a way of introducing new
players into our market to make sure that there’s competition, that there are options for our citizens
in the telecommunications field,” stated FSM President David Panuelo. “We’re confident that this is
going to definitely benefit our citizens.” he added.
“Expanding access to world class telecommunications services will promote private sector
investment in digital services and establish the critical foundations for digital government services
and the digital economy for this country of 105,000 people,” Mr Siva said.
“Providing connectivity to households, businesses, schools and government will facilitate
unconstrained access to the recent investments in undersea fibre connectivity between FSM and
the wider world. This is a fantastic initiative for the people of FSM and we believe it is a very
effective model for other, equally resource-challenged Pacific nations,” Mr Siva said.
“The recent COVID-19 crisis has also highlighted the need for improved telecommunications to
support people working in isolation as well as supporting expanding economies throughout the
region. Importantly, COVID-19 will be no barrier to the implementation of this project because our
skilled management team have developed systems and processes that enable remote training for
the FSM local team in the prerequisite skills required to deliver a successful deployment of the UCG
designed FTTH (Fibre To The Home) networks. This skills transfer is a vital component of building
local capability for the operation and future expansion of local networks,” Mr Siva said.
“The project underscores our UCG values of innovation, team-work and integrity which have been
recognised in the awarding of this contract. We are extremely proud of the work of our Australian
and New Zealand teams who have combined their expertise to deliver a great outcome for this
small Pacific nation,” Mr Siva said.
News
UCG APPOINTS IAN HATTON TO LEAD NEW SMART CITIES BUSINESS UNIT
Universal Communications Group (UCG) has established a new Smart Cities Business Unit to
support growing demand for services outside the traditional telecommunication markets and has
appointed Ian Hatton as the General Manager Smart Cities to support the growth in the smart city
space. UCG Group CEO, Muralee Siva, said “The establishment of the new Business Unit is the
next logical step for UCG which reflects the growing demand for smart city solutions, including
remote working, automation, near real-time information and always-on technologies. We are
excited to have Ian, who is one of the pre-eminent leaders in this field, join our experienced
Executive Team as part of the Group’s continued growth”.
Mr Hatton was responsible for the implementation of Australia’s largest IoT network in one of South
East Queensland’s largest and leading councils, delivering financial, environmental and economic
benefits, including smart metering for a local water utility over a large-scale LoRaWAN network and
cutting edge, cloud-based data analytics and data science tools.
Mr Hatton has also led the construction of a new council-owned optical fibre network which was a
key enabler to successfully hosting one of the biggest major international sporting events ever held
in Queensland, and achieving capacity increases and substantial direct and indirect financial
benefits. The network also supports the operation of the largest free public Wi-Fi network in
Australian local government, realising millions of dollars in direct and indirect benefits for over 2
million users to date.
This new Business Unit builds on UCG’s 25 years of telecommunications experience, and reflects
the global shift towards smart city investments.
“The recent COVID-19 crisis has significantly accelerated the work from home and smart city
agendas. We believe that the continued move towards smart technologies and remote working will
gather pace in the coming years, requiring enhanced underlying telecommunications networks and
integration across previously separate operating environments” said Mr Siva.
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UCG Enters Long-term Partnership with ENE.HUB
Universal Communications Group Pty Ltd (UCG) Executive Chairman recently announced the signing of a 9 + 3 year contract to design, build and operate and maintain all ENE.HUB infrastructure assets in the Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific region. The arrangement formalises long standing existing relationships and will see UCG design, construct, maintain and support ENE.HUB’s Smart City infrastructure throughout the region. UCG delivers innovative telecommunications solutions and is a leading broadband communications network infrastructure specialist, operating across Australia and New Zealand, servicing key broadband operators such as NBN Co Ltd and Chorus Ltd.
ENE.HUB is a fully owned subsidiary of listed Canadian-based, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners – a leading global infrastructure company that owns and operates long-life assets in the utilities, transport, energy and data infrastructure sectors across North and South America, Asia Pacific and Europe. ENE.HUB plans, funds, builds, maintains and manages connected networks of SMART.NODES – the most advanced enabler of Smart City Services available today.
UCG Executive Chairman, Ralf Luna stated “I am delighted and proud that UCG has been selected by ENE.HUB as its strategic deployment and operations and maintenance partner. We have been working with ENE.HUB for a number of years and recognise the ground-breaking initiatives the company is offering the Smart City community.” Mr. Luna added “The long-term commitment to UCG that ENE.HUB have made is also a reflection on how well-regarded UCG is within the industry.”
ENE.HUB Co-CEO Scott Williams also stated “we are elated to have an organisation such as UCG on board as part of the ENE.HUB team. After an extensive procurement process, UCG were clearly our best option and we look forward to developing our collaborative relationship with them even further over the coming decade. This agreement will provide further confidence to our customers that the world leading Smart City infrastructure and services that ENE.HUB provide will be maintained and operated at levels beyond their expectation.”
UCG and ENE.HUB have collaborated on a number of SMART.NODE deployments and some of these include: • Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens (NSW) • Geelong Foreshore (VIC) • Moreton Bay Council (QLD)
In addition to the design and construction of SMART.NODE deployments, UCG will commence the operation and management of all SMART.NODES currently in service across Australia for ENE.HUB’s clients. https://www.ucg.com.au https://ene-hub.com
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UCG QUADRUPLE ISO CERTIFICATION PROOF OF “TOTAL DEDICATION” HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARDS
The recent successful acquisition of the latest, globally recognised health and safety certification, ISO 45001, was proof of UCG’s total dedication” to the highest possible safety standards, according to UCG’s CEO, Muralee Siva.
The latest ISO certification is the fourth achieved by UCG in the areas of health, safety, environmental and quality standards, with ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and AS/NZS 4801 having been achieved shortly after business inception.
“The most recent certification means the trans-Tasman operations of UCG now qualify for quadruple ISO certifications – a rare achievement in today’s business environment”, Mr. Siva said.
“We were delighted with the integrated audit process, with the external auditor reporting zero nonconformances “, he said.
“It has been a massive investment by the company and a particularly arduous process for all the UCG team, but especially our committed certification/accreditation team – and it has all been worthwhile”.
Mr. Siva said UCG’s clients and customers could take great comfort from this achievement and it demonstrates the maturity and robustness of health, safety, environmental and quality systems across the entire UCG Group.
Mr. Siva congratulated the UCG team, which was led by Group Compliance Manager, Scott Dunmore.
“Scott and the UCG team’s efforts across both Australia and New Zealand will benefit our entire business ecosystem”, he said.
“I am very proud of the team’s achievement, which reinforces the high standards of service delivery UCG are renowned for”, Mr. Siva said.
ENDS
About UCG: Universal Communications Group (UCG) is one of New Zealand and Australia’s leading suppliers of a range of broadband design, cabling and construction services, particularly for next generation cable networks. For 20 years, UCG has provided innovative fulfilment solutions to the telecommunications sector.
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FIBRE CONNECTIVITY AT SMART BUS STOPS DELIVERS COMMUTER BENEFITS
The benefits of using public transport have been enhanced by the recent rollout of a fibre connection project for Auckland Transport, managed and installed by telecommunications fibre services provider Universal Communications Group (UCG).
The installation of fibre connectivity at 123 public transport locations throughout Auckland has expanded bandwidth capabilities for commuters and enabled a pathway for improved internet services for commuters in the future. The successful conclusion of the project will deliver faster, more reliable and consistent connectivity.
It has also enhanced the city’s safety, augmenting the capability of the city’s 3000 CCTV cameras monitoring bus stops, train stations, ferry terminals, public transport interchanges and traffic movements on major roads.
The project involved Auckland Transport as the client, with Chorus contracting UCG to manage, design and deliver all of the fieldworks, including installation of the fibre. Local company Fusion Networks Ltd provided the network services. The video available here outlines how the project was delivered.
“Complex technology projects are challenging, especially when they involve multiple parties working together to bring their expertise to the right point at the right time,” said Roger Crellin, Executive General Manager of UCG in New Zealand.
“This project involved creating bespoke designs, with each location requiring its own design solution. Rolling out the delivery of so many fibre installations in public locations in a short time frame required significant up front planning. It was further complicated by the interrupation of Lockdown Level 3 and 4 as the installation was just getting under way,” Mr Crellin said.
“This is a great example of how different providers within the telecommunications sector can work together to deliver a highly complex design and installation project within a short time frame, under extremely trying conditions,” said Mr Crellin.
“I am very proud of the leadership shown by our UCG Design team, our Project Managers and our installation services to deliver this very important project to the people of Auckland,” he said.
News
UCG ANNOUNCES CHORUS CONTRACT EXTENSION
UCG is delighted to announce an extension to its UFB2 and UFB2+ contract with Chorus to 31st March 2022 and a continuance of the successful UFB1 contract, providing subcontracted Delivery Partners with security of future workflow at this uncertain time.
Chief Executive of UCG, Muralee Siva, said today that UCG is delighted to further cement what has been a successful and long-standing relationship with Chorus and the New Zealand public in the delivery of the Ultra Fast Broadband initiative.
“The announcement of this extension comes at a very good time, both for UCG and for our Delivery Partners, as it delivers sustainability and longevity of works to the whole delivery chain, as we navigate the fallout of the COVID19 pandemic,” said Mr Siva.
“We moved early to adapt our business to the new conditions imposed by the Covid19 outbreak. This included new safety protocols for staff, ensuring appropriate supplies of PPE were available and adapting our works processes, to ensure households are kept safe during their installation to the Chorus UFB network,” Mr Siva said.
“This agreement to extend our contract will allow us to focus further on the types of innovative projects that have characterised our most recent engagement with Chorus, such as the upgrade to UFB for Auckland Transport’s CCTV smart-sites.”
Andrew Carroll, Chorus’ GM Customer & Network Operations said, “Now more than ever, Chorus has a critical role to play in getting New Zealanders connected to the best possible broadband. “We’re pleased to be extending our close relationship with UCG, so they can continue their valuable work in connecting homes and businesses across the country to our fibre network. They have played a significant role in connecting the many of the 800,000 plus fibre connections we have built in the last four years,” Mr Carroll said.
News
UCG TO SUPPORT QUEENSLAND DEPT OF MAIN ROADS AND TRANSPORT’S BUSWAYS FIBRE NETWORK
On January 2nd, 2019 the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads – Metropolitan Region, announced (via Tenders.Net) the award to UCG of a contract to undertake an audit, compile a database of optical fibre network assets, and perform functions of maintenance and ongoing repair works.
Busways provide a form of bus rapid transit, comprising separated bus-only corridors, complementing the region’s rail network to provide faster, more efficient bus services to residents of South East Queensland. As a coordinator of South East Queensland’s integrated public transport system, the client maintains responsibility for the busway facilities. These facilities are supported by intelligent transport systems that require high-speed transmission of information from one site to another through a network of optical fibre cables. The considerable existing optical fibre network have been installed progressively as the busway infrastructure expanded over many years.
Recognising that the current optical fibre records do not allow the required visibility to most effectively operate and maintain the optical fibre network Assets, the Department called for tenders in mid-2018.
UCG was awarded the contract and is required to undertake an audit, compile a database of the optical fibre network assets, and undertake regular maintenance and repair works.
UCG CEO Ralf Luna stated, “UCG is very proud to have been chosen by the Department to establish a system to manage and support the Busways fibre optic network. It is a welcome endorsement of our growing asset management and service assurance capability. We have been focusing on supporting local and state government for some time now and this project highlights many of the things UCG is capable of.”
UCG are one of the leading suppliers in the Australia-New Zealand region, of a range of broadband design, cabling and construction services, particularly for next generation cable networks.
Media contact: Rafael Luna
Phone: +61 4 1342 6111
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