Public Safety Networks are the communications networks that support first responders by allowing them to communicate. They are typically managed at the state or territory level.
One of the biggest is the New South Wales Government Radio Network. This is geographically one of the world's largest trucked radio networks (two-way digital networks used for voice services). It covers around 80% of the population across 266,000 km2 - one-third of the total New South Wales landmass.40
Both the Royal Commission into Natural Disaster Arrangements and the NSW Bushfire Inquiry found several issues with Public Safety Networks.41 42 They included inadequate coverage, lack of redundancy and poor interoperability and protocols across state borders.
The inquiries also highlighted the important role of a Public Safety Mobile Broadband capability so visual and location data can be shared with and by emergency services in real time.
Several witness statements, along with the final report of the Royal Commission, recommended the Australian Government and state and territory governments expedite delivery of a Public Safety Mobile Broadband capability.43
However, they also cautioned that spectrum asset requirements would be significant and have major commercial value. It is therefore important to examine other alternatives to traditional terrestrial mobile networks that can support data solutions, such as satellite telecommunications.