Delivering carrier-grade mobile connectivity at Victoria Cross station

Located in the heart of North Sydney, the Victoria Cross Station forms a key part of the city-shaping Sydney Metro program — Australia’s largest public transport infrastructure initiative. The integrated station development combines a metro station positioned 31 metres below ground with a significant over-station development (OSD), including a three-level retail and commercial podium and a 42-storey commercial tower rising above the southern station entrance.

Delivering seamless mobile connectivity across such a dense, multi-layered environment presented considerable complexity. The OSD required carrier-grade performance capable of supporting high user density and the strong service expectations typical of a premium commercial and retail precinct. Reinforced concrete, steel structures and deep underground construction created challenging RF conditions, while parallel station and OSD construction packages introduced interface risks and access constraints. Cable pathway limitations demanded innovative routing solutions and extended runs to maintain coverage integrity without compromising performance.

To address these challenges, RFI designed and deployed a fully integrated active distributed antenna system (DAS) using the ANDREW ERA Active Solution. The solution was engineered to deliver consistent, high-performance mobile coverage throughout the commercial tower and retail zones while meeting the stringent acceptance requirements of Telstra as the lead carrier.

The RF and antenna design was carefully optimised to account for both architectural constraints and demanding propagation conditions. 13 ERA remote units were strategically positioned to support current capacity requirements while allowing for future scalability as tenancy and user demand increase. The deployment involved extensive antenna and cabling installation undertaken within live construction environments, requiring disciplined staging, strict compliance controls and continuous coordination across multiple stakeholders.

Project delivery was structured in alignment with construction sequencing and site access limitations. RFI worked closely with the builder, client representatives and carrier teams to manage complex interfaces between station works, OSD construction and carrier integration activities. Comprehensive commissioning, walk testing and performance verification ensured that all coverage objectives and KPIs were achieved prior to handover.

The completed DAS now provides robust, carrier-approved mobile coverage across all designated OSD and retail areas. The system eliminates dead zones, enhances call reliability and data throughput, and supports the operational requirements of commercial tenants while delivering a seamless connectivity experience for building occupants and visitors. With complete handover documentation and verified performance results provided at completion, the solution establishes a resilient communications foundation to support the long-term success of this landmark development.

Image: Victoria Cross Station. Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Shanshansan