Minimise cost blow-outs with automated EME change detection
Jan 2025
Leverage the power of high-resolution aerial imagery and AI to reduce downtime, improve telco network reliability and minimise cost blow-outs.
Jan 2025
Telecommunications companies (telcos) face the dual challenge of maintaining optimal network performance and ensuring strict adherence to Electromagnetic Energy (EME) radiation regulations. To meet these demands, telco networks need efficient and reliable solutions to monitor and manage their infrastructure.
Any changes in the surrounding environment can trigger safety concerns. For example, unexpected construction activity near critical telecommunications infrastructure can lead to significant disruptions, safety hazards and substantial costs.
Traditional monitoring methods around telco assets, such as relying on construction notifications or manual site inspections, are often time-consuming, costly and prone to delays. These can also result in unforeseen problems being discovered only after construction has begun, leading to reactive and expensive solutions.
Automated EME change detection empowers telcos to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks to their assets well before they occur. By leveraging the power of high-resolution aerial imagery and AI, telcos can reduce downtime, improve network reliability and minimise cost blow-outs.
Let’s take a closer look.
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What is EME radiation, and how does it affect telcos?
Electromagnetic energy (EME) radiation is a form of energy that exhibits wave-like properties. Telco towers emit radio waves, a type of EME radiation, to transmit signals. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) sets strict guidelines for the safe operation of telecommunications equipment, ensuring minimal health risks to the general public.
Cost of EME non-compliance for telcos
Any changes near a tower, such as construction activity, can potentially alter the radiation patterns and bring them out of EME compliance. This can lead to:
- Site shutdowns: Non-compliant towers must be shut down until the situation is rectified, leading to network outages and revenue loss.
- Relocation costs: In some cases, telcos may need to relocate towers entirely if the surrounding environment changes significantly. The cost of relocating a single tower can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on factors like:
- Tower height and complexity: Taller towers and those with complex configurations are more expensive to dismantle, transport and reassemble.
- Site conditions: Difficult terrain, remote locations and the need for specialised equipment can significantly increase costs.
- Regulatory requirements: Compliance with local zoning and environmental and safety regulations can add to the overall cost.
- Infrastructure and connectivity: Relocating a tower may require upgrading or replacing existing telecommunications infrastructure, such as power lines, fibre optic cables and backhaul links.
Permits and approvals: Obtaining necessary permits and approvals from local authorities can be a time-consuming and costly process.
AI-powered EME change detection for telcos
With Automated EME change detection, telcos can identify and analyse changes in the vicinity of telecommunication towers months ahead of current timelines. Here’s how it works.
- High-resolution imagery: Our regularly updated, high-resolution aerial imagery provides a detailed view of telco tower locations and their surrounding environments.
- Automated AI change detection: We leverage advanced AI algorithms to analyse imagery over time, automatically detecting any changes that occur near a tower. This could include construction activity, new buildings or changes in vegetation.
- Timely alerts: Telcos can integrate with Nearmap API to call for updated imagery and AI properties within a radius of an asset whenever new AI data is available, enabling them to detect changes like new construction or vegetation growth. The alert can be sent to your team’s communication channels (e.g., email, Slack, SMS) or directly integrated into your workflow management system to initiate specific actions, such as contacting the relevant authorities or conducting on-site inspections
Note: To implement automated alerts, you’ll need to build the specific criteria into your API call.
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AI Layers
Construction Site
Case study: Adelaide CBD
To illustrate the power of Nearmap automated EME change detection solutions, let’s consider a scenario in Adelaide’s bustling CBD. A telco operator has a tower strategically placed in a high-traffic area, ensuring optimal network coverage. However, a major construction project is planned nearby, which could potentially impact the tower’s EME radiation patterns.
Traditional approach:
- Manual monitoring: Telco staff would need to regularly visit the site to visually inspect for any changes that could affect the tower’s EME radiation. This is a time-consuming and resource-intensive process.
- Reliance on government notifications: Telco operators often rely on government notifications to be informed about construction activities near their infrastructure. However, these can be delayed or incomplete, leaving operators vulnerable to unexpected changes.
- Delayed detection: Changes might go unnoticed for weeks or even months, leading to potential compliance issues and costly site shutdowns.
AI detection of Construction Sites
Cost-saving opportunities
By proactively identifying potential EME compliance issues, telcos can mitigate risks, avoid costly site shutdowns and optimise network maintenance, leading to significant cost savings. Here’s how:
- Reduced site shutdowns: Early detection of changes allows telcos to take preventative measures, such as applying for an exemption from ACMA or adjusting antenna configurations, to avoid unnecessary site shutdowns.
- Minimised relocation costs: By identifying potential EME compliance issues early, telcos can explore solutions to bring the site back into compliance before relocation becomes necessary. This can save hundreds of thousands of dollars per tower.
- Improved regulatory compliance: Nearmap automated solutions help telcos maintain continuous compliance with ACMA’s EME radiation guidelines.
Transform your EME compliance strategy
In a dynamic industry like telecommunications, staying ahead of regulatory compliance and operational efficiency is crucial. Nearmap automated EME change detection solutions offer a smarter, faster and more cost-effective way to safeguard your network. With timely alerts, advanced AI and high-resolution imagery, you can proactively address potential EME compliance issues, avoid costly setbacks and ensure uninterrupted service for your customers.
Don’t let unexpected environmental changes disrupt your operations or inflate your costs. Take control with a solution designed to protect your investments while maintaining optimal performance.
Ready to redefine your approach to EME compliance? Contact Nearmap today and discover how automation can transform your business.