The correct remote communications infrastructure should deliver on two fronts. First, it provides reliable, flexible, high performance network connectivity. Secondly, it should offer significant cost advantages. Selecting the correct communications service provider is essential. Delivering a highly engineered network solution with comprehensive centrally managed capabilities may require a greater  initial capital outlay but will deliver a far lower total cost of ownership through the reduction in network failures and site maintenance.

When selecting a communications service provider, key areas to consider include:

A tailored solution

The service provider you choose should have capabilities and experience across a wide range of communications products and services. It is preferable that the provider be independent of any manufacturer. In this way, the provider can tailor the communications solution to the specific needs of the site or sites.

Global reach

Allied to the breadth of capabilities is the network resources and infrastructure the provider has to accommodate your current needs and to adapt quickly as your needs change. Especially with cross-border and multi-national operations, you don't want to employ separate providers between sites or territories. In this way, you remove the headache of having to manage separate suppliers, accountability issues and invoices. The supplier you select should be able to cover your current operations and allow you to expand your operations as your business dictates.

A privately owned infrastructure

By selecting a service provider that owns and operates the network you can be sure that you receive reliable and tested network infrastructure, regardless how remote the location. The provider should be able to deliver comprehensive remote management capabilities from its Network Operating Centre (NOC). They should be able to deliver comprehensive network diagnostics and traffic management.

Quality of service

The success and reliability of any remote communication network will, in the end, depend on the quality of the technology and service delivered by the service provider you select. The quality of the network design and build will save time and money in the deployment, management and maintenance. The ability to work closely with your own technicians and managers, as well as the ability to anticipate and respond quickly to issues almost before they arise, will reduce costs in network operation. These costs should be factored into any initial calculations as management and maintenance are a significant proportion of a network's lifecycle costs.

24x7 support

As any network downtime will affect the profits of the mining operation, the customer service levels of your chosen supplier should include the ability to manage network traffic as well as proactively diagnose and remotely troubleshoot network issues on a 24x7 basis.