Swift Networks is alleged by the ACCC to have engaged in bid rigging and price fixing for technology infrastructure used in remote mining camps.
The ACCC has filed a Federal Court suit against Swift Networks, alleging the behaviour occured via “an agreement” with businesses attached to DXC – DXC Connect and DXC Technology Australia.
On five projects – four for mines operated by Rio Tinto and one for Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), the ACCC alleged that “Swift and DXC agreed that one of them would submit a higher price than the other in response to a request for bids.”
Mine camps, which often house a fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workforce, typically require communications infrastructure to deliver internet, TV and streaming services.
The ACCC alleged that Swift and DXC “sometimes engaged each other as sub-contractors” on projects, but said the claimed behaviour was “beyond the scope of any sub-contracting relationship.”
The ACCC said it is “seeking declarations, penalties, costs and other orders” from the Court.