NSW Telco’s Public Safety Network expands

Telco authority towerImage: NSW Telco Authority

New Public Safety Network (PSN) radio sites at The Entrance and Wadalba are a major boost in operational and mission critical communications coverage for emergency services.

The new radio infrastructure allows crews from Rural Fire Service, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance and the State Emergency Service, to all communicate on a single, integrated network.

Next to Australia’s triple zero emergency hotline, the PSN is the most critical communications network in NSW.

The new local radio sites are two of 150 across the state, under the NSW Government’s Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP) and delivered by NSW Telco Authority.

Telco’s Acting Managing Director, Kristie Clarke, said the new sites were an important milestone in community and first responder safety.

“This technology saves lives,” she said.

“The PSN consolidates multiple separate agency radio networks into one, allowing critical communications to occur across a resilient and efficient network.”

The CCEP has expanded the PSN’s land coverage by 10 percent to reach more than 41 percent of NSW, the equivalent of more than 80,000sq/km.

Population coverage has risen from 86 percent to 94 percent, an increase of more than 600,000 people.

Verified information source: Media release, June 30 2021, NSW Government Customer Service