Utilities & Infrastructure : Telecom Networks News
Pulse Fibre calls for regulation in the fibre optic internet

Pulse Fibre calls for regulation in the fibre optic internet

As high-speed internet becomes an increasingly indispensable part of modern life, Pulse Fibre is calling on stricter regulatory measures to ensure a stable, efficient, and equitable fibre optic marketplace. Recent data has highlighted the disparity in fibre optic network deployment across the UK. In Braintree, Essex, five different Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP)

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Telecoms operator denied bid to renew equipment lease at lower rent

Telecoms operator denied bid to renew equipment lease at lower rent

A challenge to a telecommunications infrastructure provider’s proposal to renew a lease at a much reduced rent under the Electronic Communications Code has resulted in a key ruling by the Scottish Lands Tribunal which will have ramifications across the industry. In order to renew a lease under the Code, an

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Pulse Fibre Unveils New Wholesale Platform

Pulse Fibre Unveils New Wholesale Platform

Pulse Fibre is thrilled to announce the launch of its cutting-edge wholesale platform, now available to all internet service providers (ISPs). The platform provides ISPs with access to incremental properties beyond existing Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks. This new wholesale platform is designed to empower ISPs, enabling them to expand their service

Read More »
£43m contract to give rural firms access to full fibre broadband

£43m contract to give rural firms access to full fibre broadband

A £43m contract has been awarded to extend full fibre broadband access to thousands of rural homes and businesses in Cheshire. Freedom Fibre has secured the contract as part of the government’s Project Gigabit initiative. As a result, 15,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses will gain access to broadband capable of

Read More »
Pulse Fibre transforms Vertus Buildings with Lightning-Fast Connectivity

Pulse Fibre transforms Vertus Buildings with Lightning-Fast Connectivity

As fast and reliable internet connectivity becomes increasingly crucial, Pulse Fibre is proud to showcase its recent introduction of full-fibre internet in three award-winning Vertus residential developments in London: Newfoundland, 10 George Street, and 8 Water Street. The projects showcase the unparalleled benefits developers can enjoy with Pulse Fibre. The

Read More »
Prysmian’s Sirocco Cables expected lifetime greater than 50 years

Prysmian’s Sirocco Cables expected lifetime greater than 50 years

This result contributes to promoting a more sustainable approach to resource management Prysmian, leader in the energy transition and digital transformation, announces results of new and rigorous long-term ageing testing on the Sirocco family of cables, proving expected lifetime of more than 50 years, allowing operators to calculate the life

Read More »
SteelTrace secures project with Subsea7, marking a milestone as its first pipeline project in the North Sea

SteelTrace secures project with Subsea7, marking a milestone as its first pipeline project in the North Sea

SteelTrace, is pleased to announce a significant achievement in collaboration with Subsea7. This partnership marks a milestone as SteelTrace embarks on its first pipeline project in the North Sea, reinforcing its commitment to increasing efficiency and quality standards while meeting the digital needs of the operator. SteelTrace is a pioneering

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

Utilities & Infrastructure : Telecom Networks News

Keeping construction connected~ 5G-powered routers for connectivity anywhere, anytime

Keeping construction connected – 5G-powered routers for connectivity anywhere, anytime

Whether it’s viewing architectural plans or enabling Internet of Things (IoT) devices, access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection is increasingly becoming a priority on construction sites. But with scope and timescales often varying so much between projects, is there such thing as a one-size-fits-all for internet connectivity? Here, Kristian Torode, director and co-founder of business IT provider Crystaline, investigates. Construction workers are increasingly finding themselves in need of a faster, more reliable internet connection. Whether it’s accessing architectural plans or 3D CAD diagrams, the ability to share, edit and download large files is becoming more and more essential to the daily operation of sites. This need is exacerbated further in larger developments, where multiple teams across the site need to be able to communicate with one another. Internet access can also facilitate the implementation of IoT technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM uses a host of cameras and sensors on-site to create a digital model of the project as construction work goes on, allowing for architects and engineers to validate the structure’s integrity throughout. As a result, minor errors or faults can be spotted much more quickly, preventing long project delays. Security is another area that can benefit, with remote CCTV monitoring and the ability to set up more sophisticated locking systems at gates and barriers. Using personal devices But how can construction sites get online? The first, and perhaps easiest option, is to rely on workers to use their own personal devices to access the internet. And for quick access to one or two individual files, such an approach might be sufficient. But problems can quickly arise as soon as there’s a need to do more. Workers may not have sufficient data plans to access everything they need, for example. This can be alleviated in part by using devices to ‘tether’ to one another and sharing data that way, but it often results in slow speeds for the user and is unlikely to be able to support more than one or two devices at a time. And for businesses who are paying for company plans, it might be that the cost of multiple unlimited data plans quickly starts to add up. Fixed broadband So, what about installing a broadband line? For long-term projects lasting several years, in areas already with access to ultrafast broadband, this might be the most appropriate solution. But often, projects must work on a shorter timeframe. With most broadband contracts locking customers in for 12 or 24-month periods, it often isn’t financially viable for workers who may only be on-site for half that time, for example. And with the time it takes to lay a new fixed line varying from weeks to months, particularly in remote areas or those with more challenging terrain, it could result in a significant and crucial part of the project not having the connectivity required. With the PSTN stop sell having already taken place, setting up new connections on these old lines will no longer be possible, presenting an additional challenge to construction companies looking to get their sites online. Rolling out 5G routers Rather than relying on personal device usage or long-term broadband plans, a 5G router could provide the ideal solution. 5G routers provide connectivity via mobile network connections rather than on fixed broadband lines, meaning they can be plugged in anywhere to provide connectivity within minutes. With 5G up to ten times faster than 4G, and just a fraction of the latency, a 5G router offers enough speed and bandwidth for multiple workers to access any file they might need or hold video meetings with other colleagues. Crystaline offers TCL’s LinkHub 5G HH515 router which can support up to 256 connections alone. Capable of delivering speeds up to 4.67 Gpbs, it’s on par with most fibre connections, without the long setup. Other benefits include the ease of setting up ‘Guest Wi-Fi’, which can help improve cybersecurity by separating visitor connections from employees. Many routers, including the LinkHub, will also come with an app for additional functionalities, allowing for any changes and upgrades to be carried out remotely. With the size and scale of construction sites varying so much between projects, finding the right solution to fit can be a challenge. But with the flexibility of a router, combined with the UK’s ongoing 5G rollout, it could be the answer to providing businesses with high-speed, reliable internet, wherever the job next takes you. Crystaline supplies a range of 5G routers to suit a variety of construction site specifications. To discuss your individual needs with a member of the team, please get in touch. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Balfour Beatty Communities to enhance military housing connectivity with new fiber optic network

Balfour Beatty Communities to enhance military housing connectivity with new fiber optic network

Balfour Beatty Communities, a leading national residential real estate investment and management company, is in the process of engaging with multiple fiber optic network providers to introduce cutting-edge broadband fiber optic capabilities to its privatised military housing portfolio, starting with an initial rollout of 10,000 homes at six U.S. Army bases. This strategic upgrade is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and deliver improved digital services to military families residing in housing on base. Theresa Steele, Vice President, Project Development at Balfour Beatty Communities said: “Delivering exceptional living experiences means continuously adapting to meet residents’ evolving needs. “We are excited to bring a more reliable, robust and secure internet network to our communities for the direct benefit of our residents.” This fiber-to-the-home deployment will deliver the high-speed connectivity that has become critical for everything from schoolwork and videoconferencing to telemedicine, paying bills and watching TV. Balfour Beatty Communities currently is in various phases of development with third party providers to implement fiber-to-the-home projects in its military housing communities at Fort Eisenhower (Georgia), Fort Bliss (Texas), Fort Jackson (South Carolina), Fort Stewart (Georgia), Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri), and Fort Carson (Colorado), with plans to continue expanding access across the balance of its military housing portfolio. A spokesperson at Fort Jackson Army Housing Office said: “Fort Jackson prioritises the quality of life for soldiers assigned to the installation. Fiber technology has been standard in residential areas since the early 2000s, which is not the case on all Army installations including Fort Jackson. “Army families would benefit greatly from a much-needed upgrade to fiber optic connectivity. Not only will this improve connectivity performance in every home, it also future-proofs our partner-managed homes, increasing the overall value. Our mission units rely on a dependable fiber network to serve every mission on Fort Jackson, our housing area is overdue for this needed update.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pulse Fibre calls for regulation in the fibre optic internet

Pulse Fibre calls for regulation in the fibre optic internet

As high-speed internet becomes an increasingly indispensable part of modern life, Pulse Fibre is calling on stricter regulatory measures to ensure a stable, efficient, and equitable fibre optic marketplace. Recent data has highlighted the disparity in fibre optic network deployment across the UK. In Braintree, Essex, five different Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) networks have overbuilt each other, whilst contrastingly, only 62.7% of the overall UK currently has FTTP availability. The UK’s FTTP rollout has consistently failed to meet government targets of 85% availability by 2025 due to concentrated installations in specific areas. Pulse Fibre is advocating for appropriate regulation as a solution to guiding FTTP networks into underserved regions. Pulse Fibre is advocating for the separation of network providers and service providers to avoid resource duplication and enhance the efficiency of FTTP network deployment and maintenance. Without regulation, overbuilding presents risks for consumers and companies due to unnecessary costs, disruptions and a negative impact on sustainability. Higher regulatory standards would reduce the amount of redundant infrastructure being installed, resulting in fewer roadworks and disruptions. It would therefore lead to a significant reduction in the carbon emissions associated with required construction works to install infrastructure. Market regulation would ensure that infrastructure is installed where it is genuinely needed, enhancing both customer experience and environmental sustainability. Drawing parallels with the UK’s energy market, where the National Grid provides a centralised hub for all energy companies, Pulse Fibre suggests a similar model for internet providers. Market regulation would play a vital role in ensuring fair competition by reducing the risk of anti-competitive practices, and encouraging innovation and investment from a diverse range of providers, fostering competition and leading to lower prices and improved services for consumers. Pulse Fibre believes that market regulation is crucial for the continued growth and success of the fibre optic broadband industry. By promoting fair competition, protecting consumer interests, and fostering innovation, regulators can create a vibrant, healthier, and more sustainable broadband ecosystem. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Telecoms operator denied bid to renew equipment lease at lower rent

Telecoms operator denied bid to renew equipment lease at lower rent

A challenge to a telecommunications infrastructure provider’s proposal to renew a lease at a much reduced rent under the Electronic Communications Code has resulted in a key ruling by the Scottish Lands Tribunal which will have ramifications across the industry. In order to renew a lease under the Code, an operator must be a party to a Code agreement with the other party. In the case of On Tower UK Limited (“OTUK”) v the Church of Scotland General Trustees, the tenant of the radio mast installation in Kay Park Parish Church in Kilmarnock was Orange Personal Communications Services Limited (“Orange”). The lease was later assigned by Orange to EE Limited and Hutchison 3G UK Limited (“EE & H3G”) whose equipment is understood to be on site. The lease was then assigned to Arqiva Limited, then to OTUK (at the time called Arqiva Services Limited). The lease placed certain restrictions on any assignation and the landlord was not told of the assignation. OTUK served notice to renew the lease on its standard terms at a rent of £3,000, considerably lower than the contracted amount. The Scottish Lands Tribunal found OTUK was not a party to a Code agreement when it served the paragraph 33(1) notice to change the agreement, meaning the notice was invalid; thus the ensuing application was similarly invalid. It is understood some 700 agreements were assigned from operators to Arqiva around 2015. In 2019 the Arqiva group sold its telecoms infrastructure and related assets at an enterprise value of £2 billion to Cellnex, which later became OTUK. The transaction comprised some 7,400 of Arqiva’s cellular sites, including masts and towers as well as urban rooftop sites, and the right to market a further 900 sites across the UK retained by Arqiva. The sites retained by Arqiva incorporated its broadcast infrastructure and its interests in machine-to-machine data services, which provide smart meter networks for the utilities sector. Ian Thornton-Kemsley, a telecoms expert at Galbraith, said: “Over the years operators have transferred sites between themselves apparently without properly considering the lease requirements; the case illustrates this. Despite the wording of the Code, operators are not prepared to justify the changes sought to the existing lease; and they readily apply to the Tribunals to impose agreements if landowners do not agree to their terms, which are often heavily weighted in their favour. This appears to have been the case at Kay Park. “It is important to check that the renewal notices are valid and to adhere to the requirements of the Code. By successfully challenging the basis of the notice, the landowner has protected its income for the time being – important to a charity such as the Church.” Mike Reid, Head of Utilities and a telecoms specialist at Galbraith, added: “Operators tend to weaponise their rights under the Code, using the threat of costs in legal proceedings to obtain settlements in their favour. The Kay Park decision, together with the Vache Farm case, is a welcome redressing of the balance, ensuring landowner’s rights are properly protected.” The Kay Park Scottish Lands Tribunal decision can be found at – http://www.lands-tribunal-scotland.org.uk/decisions/LTS.ECC.2023.57.html The Vache Farm case can be found at be found at – LC-2020-55 final_.pdf (tribunals.gov.uk).  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pulse Fibre Unveils New Wholesale Platform

Pulse Fibre Unveils New Wholesale Platform

Pulse Fibre is thrilled to announce the launch of its cutting-edge wholesale platform, now available to all internet service providers (ISPs). The platform provides ISPs with access to incremental properties beyond existing Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks. This new wholesale platform is designed to empower ISPs, enabling them to expand their service offerings and reach a broader customer base with greater efficiency and flexibility. By leveraging Pulse Fibre’s infrastructure, ISPs can now tap into new markets and provide high-speed internet services to previously underserved areas. “We are excited to introduce this platform after years of development and consultation, to bridge the gap between service providers and network operators. We look forward to bringing the Pulse Fibre benefits to a wider audience.” Said Sean Pearman, Technical Director at Pulse Fibre. “All of our ISPs will be able to provide day one connectivity to new homeowners and symmetrical speeds up to 10Gb.” ISPs interested in utilising this platform can access it through the Pulse Fibre website. With a user-friendly interface and comprehensive support, Pulse Fibre ensures a smooth onboarding process for all ISPs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Key player in German infrastructure chooses iLOQ’s customized security solution

Key player in German infrastructure chooses iLOQ’s customised security solution

iLOQ creates customized mobile-key-based solution to provide secure access to DFMG’s rooftop sites. Founded in 2002 (as a subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom), Deutsche Funkturm (DFMG) is a key player in developing infrastructure for German mobile network operators, broadcasters, operators of radio relays, and the radio networks of authorities and other institutions. With more than 35,000 antenna sites, it is the largest operator of radio infrastructure in Germany and the 3rd largest in Europe. The company’s portfolio includes around 20,000 rooftop locations. The sites are currently accessed using mechanical keys. To minimize operating and administrative costs, DFMG decided to replace the previous access solution with a customized solution from iLOQ. In 2021, iLOQ created an initial prototype for the lids based on the battery-free and keyless iLOQ S50 solution. With iLOQ S50, an NFC-enabled smartphone is both a key and a power source. The smartphone’s NFC induction generates enough electrical energy to identify access rights and open the lock. Access rights, which are centrally managed using a single cloud-based SaaS platform, are sent remotely and in real time to an app running on the technician’s smartphone. They can be updated as necessary or blocked immediately to eliminate security risks involved with lost, stolen, or unreturned keys, reduce unauthorized access and safeguard on-site equipment. iLOQ’s prototype fulfilled all legal and regulatory requirements and the customized product, which has been certified by DFMG, is now being rolled out to all rooftop sites as a first step. “ilOQ’s intelligent, digital products increase security and simplify the management of access to our radio sites and critical infrastructures. The user-friendly software solution enables us to grant or withdraw new access rights quickly and efficiently. Both we and our customers and contractors are delighted,” states Cornelia Essing, Head of Site Access, DFMG Deutsche Funkturm GmbH. After the roll-out at the rooftop sites, DFMG will implement the intelligent, secure, and sustainable solutions from iLOQ for its radio towers in Germany. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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£43m contract to give rural firms access to full fibre broadband

£43m contract to give rural firms access to full fibre broadband

A £43m contract has been awarded to extend full fibre broadband access to thousands of rural homes and businesses in Cheshire. Freedom Fibre has secured the contract as part of the government’s Project Gigabit initiative. As a result, 15,000 hard-to-reach homes and businesses will gain access to broadband capable of delivering the fastest speeds on the market. Project Gigabit is a £5bn nationwide rollout aimed at areas that would have been overlooked in the industry’s rollout of gigabit-capable broadband. Freedom Fibre will begin with a period of detailed design and survey work, with construction expected to start in early 2025. The project will cover remote villages such as Kingswood, Allostock, and Minshull Vernon. Neil McArthur, founder and chief executive of Freedom Fibre, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract, increasing full-fibre coverage across Cheshire and further strengthening our relationship with Building Digital UK and local authorities across the county. This investment in full-fibre will end over 100 years of copper-based services and unleash untold potential for homes and businesses across Cheshire.” Julia Lopez, minister for data and digital infrastructure, added: “Homes and businesses in rural Cheshire not covered by broadband suppliers’ plans will get access to the fastest internet speeds available, thanks to this latest contract under the government’s Project Gigabit. This government’s investment in lightning-fast upgrades will benefit hard-to-reach communities all over the county, boosting productivity in local industries and helping households to stream, work, and play without a hitch.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pulse Fibre transforms Vertus Buildings with Lightning-Fast Connectivity

Pulse Fibre transforms Vertus Buildings with Lightning-Fast Connectivity

As fast and reliable internet connectivity becomes increasingly crucial, Pulse Fibre is proud to showcase its recent introduction of full-fibre internet in three award-winning Vertus residential developments in London: Newfoundland, 10 George Street, and 8 Water Street. The projects showcase the unparalleled benefits developers can enjoy with Pulse Fibre. The goal was to provide the 1,139 residents of the developments with faster and a more reliable internet service, by introducing Gigabit specification full-fibre. The residents at 8 Water Street had been experiencing connectivity outages for four days from a previous fibre supplier with no resolution in sight. Pulse Fibre recognised the urgency of the situation and were on hand straight away to provide a solution. Pulse Fibre was able to be on site and work to reconnect residents the very next day after being made aware of the residents’ outage frustrations. The partnership then continued with the rapid installation at 10 George Street, before moving on to Newfoundland. Instant activation removed any further downtime or waiting, providing residents with immediate access to the high-speed, reliable internet required. Vertus building managers also benefit from access to Pulse Fibre’s Portal, a digital platform that allows Vertus to efficiently and effectively manage connections for residents. Functions such as providing instant activation for upcoming tenants, and deactivating connections once a resident has moved out, providing building managers with the necessary level of control and oversight to manage properties successfully. Reece Dopson at Pulse Fibre commented on the project: “Vertus is a shining example of what Pulse Fibre can offer customers and developers alike. Robert Buckingham at Pulse Fibre commented on the project: Working closely with the Vertus management team has been a privilege. Together, we achieved more than just meeting the project goals, we exceeded them, and we remain committed to providing reliable and lightning-fast internet.” The developments at Vertus exemplifies Pulse Fibre’s unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional service and it looks forward to continuing to provide reliable, lightning-fast internet solutions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Prysmian’s Sirocco Cables expected lifetime greater than 50 years

Prysmian’s Sirocco Cables expected lifetime greater than 50 years

This result contributes to promoting a more sustainable approach to resource management Prysmian, leader in the energy transition and digital transformation, announces results of new and rigorous long-term ageing testing on the Sirocco family of cables, proving expected lifetime of more than 50 years, allowing operators to calculate the life cycle analysis of their networks over an extended period. Optical cables have now been deployed for decades, with fibre and cable technology continually evolving, and telecom networks are expected to be robust to environmental stresses over a lifetime of many decades with protection provided to the optical fibres at the heart of the network reliability. Besides providing mechanical protection, the optical coatings and cable materials must themselves remain stable across the cable’s deployment lifetime, whatever the environmental conditions. As part of the continuing industry leadership in cable design and reliability, Prysmian has performed long-term aging and lifetime certification of SiroccoHD and SiroccoEXTREME microduct cables and the fibres contained therein in order to simulate a cable lifetime of at least 50 years under dry and wet aging conditions. The data demonstrates that after lifetime simulation, optical fibre attenuation as well as cable performance and material properties remain unchanged and can meet industry specifications set for newly manufactured cables. “Prysmian’s Sirocco HD and Extreme cables are already well known as highly sustainable and extremely efficient solutions. Due to their extra-compact size and extreme fibre density, they’re easily deployable, make the most of limited duct space, require fewer raw materials and reduce transportation costs.” states Ian Griffiths, Global R&D VP, Digital Solutions at Prysmian. “Now, after optimisation of the optical fibre and materials, and rigorous testing, Sirocco cables have an expected lifetime of more than 50 years, without any compromise on performance during that time.” “With the completion of this testing, it is now possible for operators to calculate the lifecycle analysis of their networks over a much longer period of time – more than 50 years.” adds Frederick Persson, Executive Vice President Digital Solutions at Prysmian. “This contributes to minimizing waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to resource management, and will be critical for creating the long-lasting, high-performing networks of the future.” To access the white paper and test report click on this link. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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SteelTrace secures project with Subsea7, marking a milestone as its first pipeline project in the North Sea

SteelTrace secures project with Subsea7, marking a milestone as its first pipeline project in the North Sea

SteelTrace, is pleased to announce a significant achievement in collaboration with Subsea7. This partnership marks a milestone as SteelTrace embarks on its first pipeline project in the North Sea, reinforcing its commitment to increasing efficiency and quality standards while meeting the digital needs of the operator. SteelTrace is a pioneering quality management automation platform that revolutionises transparency, traceability, and efficiency in the steel supply chain. Focusing its efforts in the chemical and petrochemical industry using  state-of-the-art technologies including blockchain and cloud computing to seamlessly integrate quality management throughout the entire steel supply chain – from cradle to grave. By offering an end-to-end solution that ensures transparency and accuracy, SteelTrace enables manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders to maintain complete confidence in the quality of steel products needed for demanding applications in the oil and gas industry. Testament to its relationship with Subsea7, this is the second project the companies have collaborated on. This collaboration will see SteelTrace capturing vital structured data from manufacturers and automatically cross-referencing it against project requirements. This advanced functionality eliminates the need for any manual reviews, streamlining the process and reducing the possibility of human errors. Converting this data into a digital manufacturing record book, promises increased efficiency and a streamlined workflow. Ultimately benefiting the entire supply chain including the operator, who can use the collected data for the life extension studies, root cause analyses and turnaround simulations. In these challenging sea environments, steel pipes must be able to withstand harsh conditions and stringent safety standards. The complexities of seabed dynamics and the need for precise welding require an increased level of quality control and precision. SteelTrace’s comprehensive data capture ensures that all crucial information is meticulously recorded, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual data review, and providing the industry with a reliable and efficient alternative. SteelTrace’s CEO and Founder, Tom Meulendijks, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “As SteelTrace continues to push the boundaries of quality assurance and digital transformation within the steel industry, we are excited to secure our second project with Subsea7. Since our establishment in 2017, SteelTrace has developed a global client portfolio spanning Europe, the US, South East Asia, and upcoming ventures extending to Australia.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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