Foxtel is making downtime for FIFO workers more enjoyable, informative and connected.
Life on a remote mine site is unlike pretty much any other work environment. For fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers, long shifts and extended periods away from home are the norm, and finding ways to unwind and maintain a sense of normalcy is essential for wellbeing.
Whether it’s catching a footy game with mates, watching a favourite movie, or simply having something engaging (or disengaging) to switch on after a big day, entertainment plays a crucial role in making life on-site more comfortable.
But accessing that entertainment isn’t always easy when you’re 1000km away from civilisation.
“There can be many restrictions for content that include a limited offering by the site or company, restricted bandwidth or workers having to bring their own devices or content,” Foxtel national manager for mining and workforce accommodation Kym Monteath told Mining.
“This in turn has its own challenges, as there are often times when streaming usage is increased, such as when large numbers of workers finish their shifts at the same time, causing network congestion and buffering issues that disrupt the viewing experience.”
Foxtel’s Business iQ package has been designed with this in mind, offering an advanced entertainment and communication platform tailored to the unique needs of mine sites.
Unlike traditional TV services, Business iQ is a cloud-based system that continuously evolves, ensuring mining companies and their workers always have access to the latest features without the need for hardware upgrades.
“We’re constantly refining Business iQ to meet the needs of our customers by introducing new capabilities, smarter integrations, and more intuitive user experiences,” Monteath said.
“Whether it’s making the interface more seamless, expanding content options or improving communication tools, we’re committed to future-proofing Business iQ so that our customers always have access to the best possible technology.”
But Business iQ goes beyond entertainment. It offers valuable operational tools that enhance communication and efficiency right across mine sites.
The system includes a live messaging function, enabling site managers to send instant or scheduled messages directly to workers’ in-room TV screens. This feature can be used for timely alerts, shift updates, or even promoting upcoming social events in communal areas.
“With safety being at the forefront of mine sites and villages, messaging and alerts can be distributed to all screens at site if an emergency occurs,” Monteath said. “The operators of the site have access to an online management portal which has pre-set emergency messaging and alerts available to activate at the press of a button.”
In addition, Business iQ allows mining companies to create and distribute their own in-house content. Site-specific information such as safety briefings, welcome videos, flight schedules and even dining menus can be displayed directly on the platform, ensuring important information is easily accessible.
Given live sport is a major highlight of many FIFO workers’ downtime hours, Business iQ ensures premium sporting events, including AFL, NRL and pay-per-view UFC fights, are available for viewing across mine sites.
The platform’s commercial agreements allow for these events to be shown in wet mess areas, fostering an environment where workers can unwind and share in the excitement of major sporting moments.
“Live sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and on remote sites this sense of community is more important than ever,” Monteath said.
Business iQ features a straightforward installation, with training support available for mining operators. The intuitive interface mirrors the experience of popular streaming platforms, making it simple to navigate and find content. Foxtel also provides ongoing technical support to help miners get the most out of its services.
“Business iQ is more than just entertainment,” Monteath said. “It’s an engagement tool that helps mining operators improve morale, build community, and enhance the overall worker experience.”
