According to a statement, NSW Telco Authority describes itself as “the connectivity leader for NSW Government” as it manages its Public Safety Network (PSN) which supports more than 53,000 registered radio handsets averaging 1.33 million calls per month across 350,000km2 of terrain across New South Wales. Latest research shows that the PSN’s land coverage is 44% of NSW and reaches 97% of the population.
Speaking of the organisation, a spokesperson said: “NSW Telco Authority operates and manages the Public Safety Network to deliver radio communications for frontline responders. We work with emergency services and telecommunications carriers to protect communications assets during emergencies and natural disasters.
“NSW Telco Authority is a delivery agency responsible for more than $1.5 billion in key NSW Government projects that connect communities and support emergency services. We lead and coordinate the whole-of-government connectivity strategy to bridge the digital divide and help keep people and places safe.”
The Telco Authority is also delivering one of NSW’s largest investments in radio communications through a $1.4bn Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP). When complete, the CCEP will deliver a 675-site, fully interoperable network and provide coverage across 680km2 and cover 99.7% of the state’s population.
TCCA CEO, Kevin Graham, said: “It is with much pleasure as a fellow Australian to welcome the first Australian government member to TCCA. NSW Telco Authority has significant experience deploying and operating critical communications narrowband networks for government agencies within their state jurisdiction.
“On behalf of all Australian states and territories, the agency is also leading a Public Safety Mobile Broadband technical proof of concept trial. We look forward to the insights they can share with our community and between their many global peers who are TCCA members, and also back into the agencies they serve in Australia.”
NSW Telco Authority is the second international authority to announce its new membership of TCCA this month afterthe Canadian Public Safety Broadband Network Innovation Alliance (PIA) joined some weeks agohe Canadian Public Safety Broadband Network Innovation Alliance (PIA) joined some weeks ago.