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The Tanks Art Centre is situated in the Cairns Botanical Gardens and was recently converted from three, disused, WW2 naval oil storage tanks to Cairns’ favourite entertainment complex. The complex provides a full program of live music (in ‘Tank 5’ with space for up to 650 patrons) as well as performance theatre, visual arts, market days and assorted workshops being held in other ‘tanks’ and surrounding the facility. History, nature and culture are brought together at this iconic heritage listed site, which has been creatively transformed into a contemporary arts facility. 

FVD, (Frontier Voice and Data), who are a Powertec regional partner and certified Nextivity Quatra installer, brought this opportunity (& its challenges) to Powertec’s attention late 2024. After some initial discussion, Asa from Frontier reached out to Powertec to nut out the details on this complex installation.

The Issue

A previous install of clustered Nextivity Cel-Fi devices for coverage was not sufficient due to the surrounding rainforest which was blocking the line of sight to the nearby macro tower. Quatra was identified as a viable alternative so that the macro donor antenna could be deployed some 2KM away where it could reach towers with cleaner signal inputs. Additionally, the Tanks are constructed of poured concrete and reinforcement bars, creating the perfect Faraday’s cage. Even in the outside areas adjoining the Tanks, mobile reception was either non-existent or very poor. Because of this, the solution was extended to provide coverage outdoors and in the adjoining visitors centre and council offices. Considering the Tanks use as an entertainment venue - good phone signal and data speeds was crucial for business communication, social contact and safety and facilitates all of the Tank’s patrons to share their experiences over their social media of choice, helping add to Far North Queensland’s rich tourism industry.

Challenges

The primary challenge was identifying a suitable location for the donor antennas—where a clean, usable macro signal could serve as the foundation for the repeater system's signal reproduction. The CRC initially proposed the nearby Botanical Gardens as a donor antenna site. However, a site survey conducted by FVD revealed that there was no clear line of sight to the towers unless a large structure was built at the garden’s entrance. This option was both visually intrusive and prohibitively expensive.

CRC then proposed alternative council-owned sites. Using its proprietary National Coverage Model (NCM) cellular modelling tool, Powertec was able to verify the feasibility of these locations, including the required antenna height and positioning. An existing Council asset, originally dismissed due to its distance (based on traditional standards), was ultimately deemed viable by leveraging the Council’s existing fibre infrastructure.

Product Solution 

An In-Building Coverage (IBC) solution was implemented, installing a Nextivity QUATRA 4000 Hybrid DAS to readvertise multi-carrier cellular signal throughout the building. The solution included a Nextivity Fibre Hub with a single Network Unit and 4 Coverage Units which then provided connection to 11 indoor and outdoor server antennas. The solution covered Telstra, Optus and Vodafone mobile networks to ensure artists, staff and visitors will stay connected throughout the facility.

• Off Air Repeater System – Nextivity QUATRA
• Donor antennas - Powertec Wideband Grid Antenna
• Internal domes - Powertec Ceiling Dome Antenna
• Wall and outdoor antennas - Powertec 4G-5G Outdoor Wall Mount
• RF Components – CommScope, Powertec
• Roof Masts – APAC Infrastructure Galvanised Collared Roof Mast

Outcome

Asa Cutts, the owner of Frontier said

"When our customer approached us with this project, we immediately recognized the complexity and challenge ahead. Their high level of engagement and consistent input throughout the process played a crucial role in helping our team, in collaboration with Powertec, deliver the solution on time and within budget. The client is absolutely thrilled with the outcome. Whether it's concert attendees, arts and crafts enthusiasts, or market stalls—everyone now enjoys full mobile coverage across all major carriers and fast, reliable data speeds throughout the venue. It's a true testament to the capabilities of Quatra’s technology. We are looking forward to further expansion of the Quatra System."