About the Telco Cable Search

What is a Telco Cable Search?

The Telco cable search allows agents and potential property buyers and owners to check if copper or Optic Fibre telecommunication cables run underneath a property. This search is available Australia-wide and identifies telecommunication cables from Telstra, Optus, UEComm, AAPT and PowerTel and a number of other providers. The information contained in the search result will only be as accurate as the information kept by the relevant companies/providers.

Note: Power cables won't appear in the search result; an independent search(s) should be completed to identify their location.

Wouldn't a Title Search identify if there were any Easements on a property?

Yes, a title search does identify easements such as a right of passage over a neighbour's land or waterway. However, easements aren't required for telecommunication cables and therefore they will not appear on a title search. Cables are hidden underground and without a cable search how would you know they existed?

What information should I supply ?

It is essential that you supply as much information as possible to ensure that you receive your desired results.

• Unit/Street Number, Street name, Suburb, State, Postcode of the search site
• Lot/Plan
• Date of Settlement
• Council Area
• Your contact details including: name, address, phone, fax and email
  

Every effort is made to deliver orders within the shortest possible time. The most common cause of delays is incorrect or incomplete recipient information. If the request is urgent please contact us - we will do everything to assist.

For explanations of terms or concepts used in the Telco Cable Search, just contact Telco Cable Searches, we will be happy to assist. Our professional staff are also available to visit your office to explain why the search should be considered, this is a free service.   Many Law firms have taken up this offer as it assists them in explaining to clients why the search is highly recommended.

Laws & Codes

What does the Telecommunications Act say about Network within Private Property?
Under Clause 7 of Schedule 3 of the Telecommunications Act 1997, a general telecommunications carrier has rights to enter private property for the maintenance or continued operation of the telephone service.
Similar powers were contained in previous Telecommunications Acts.
The carrier will object to any additional structure being erected on the Property or over its cables, or any landscaping or earthworks which would prevent the carrier from performing its functions in 3(a) above or reduce the security of its cables, making them more prone to damage.
Land Access Code
This code was developed to exercise some control over the carriers, but does not take away the powers of the Act.

Carriers have to comply with creation conditions, but at the end of the day, cables do still end up in private property.

Conditions
1. Carriers have to issue notice to the land owner of the proposed installation.
2. Objections have to be heard and considered.
3. After a resolution a "way leave" is issued and installation proceeds