"In 2009, we decided to kick off a process looking at extending our international network. So we started with Australia, then we put together a business case to acquire capability across the Southern Cross network."

The "phased approach" of going to Australia first meant the project was "relatively low risk", he says. "If it doesn't work out we can stop there."

But the Australian move was "really successful and not long after that we decided to go the whole way", he says, expanding the business case to North America.

"International capacity is one of the biggest individual costs of providing a broadband service," he explains. With Odyssey, "we have the basic infrastructure in place to really scale up internationally. This network infrastructure gives us scale into the future."

"You need a CIO who is willing to take on some audacious projects," says Scott Bartlett, Orcon chief executive, on the key role played by Salmen and his team. "And while it's important to be fearless when taking on these projects, it's vital that there is always a healthy respect for IT project challenges.","