Government Radio Networks

Government Radio Networks

Supporting the people of the NSW Emergency Services

The Government Radio Networks program implements cost effective and world class radio services for use by government and emergency services agencies.

It extends the service coverage of the Government Radio Network, providing mobile radio (voice and data) and fleet dispatch services to support officers in the field.  This critical infrastructure program demands the highest level of service standards.

Rationale…

Emergency Services require better, faster, smarter interoperable technology provided in an economical way. They also need to communicate with each other in emergency situations – putting people first in the most vital way possible.

Our opportunity…

To provide compatibility at agency, jurisdictional and national levels, particularly for emergency with 24 hours, 7 days a week support. The program will keep pace with service enhancement opportunities as technology changes.

To date...

The Government Radio Network is currently used by about 40 NSW Government agencies and other organisations. The network links over 13,000 frontline service personnel and processes millions of calls per month.

Scope of the program…

The program provides a range of mobile radio services supporting Government and NSWEmergency Services officers.

Key components:

• voice network for dispatch and emergency operations
• ambulance dispatch network
• shared mobile data dispatch network designed specifically for the Ambulance Service.

The program is designed to extend shared service coverage across greater parts of NSW. Future initiatives include:

• investigating options to integrate the NSW Police into an enhanced and expanded Government Radio Network
• working with all government agencies to consolidate radio infrastructure across NSW, improving safety and reliability, while reducing costs
• developing a state-wide strategy to provide high quality services, particularly in regional and remote areas of the state.

For example…

Police, fire fighters, ambulance officers and SES officers are relied upon in times of emergency – be it a storm, flood, fire or other natural or human disaster often putting their own lives in danger to get the job done. They rely heavily on equipment and communications to keep their teams safe when the action starts.

The provision of reliable state of the art mobile phones, radio and data equipment will help ensure the safety of emergency service officers whilst allowing them to efficiently carry out their essential service of protecting the public.

Commitments to December 2009

• Completion of the Government Radio Network Links program.
• Ensuring Government Radio Network service availability
• Ensuring Government Mobile Data Network service availability 
• Upgrade of the Government Radio Network to a digital open standard by 2011.