Airwave appointed to NSW GRN

Airwave Solutions Australia has been appointed by the NSW Government to operate and maintain the NSW Government Radio Network (GRN), one of the world’s largest government radio networks.

Comprising approximately 160 sites with 30,000 users from 30 government agencies and departments, the GRN serves agencies such as the Ambulance Service of NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW State Emergency Service.

Airwave was appointed via a competitive tender process undertaken by the NSW Telco Authority, who made the decision based upon a range of factors, including the ability to draw on Airwave’s extensive resources, which in turn will ensure the delivery of robust and reliable services throughout NSW.

Airwave CEO Malcolm Keys said the Network’s end users would be the ultimate winners, with improved availability and user engagement the immediate priorities. Other priorities are to reduce operational and technological risks, and for the network to be operated in a more cost-efficient manner.

Keys said Airwave’s appointment would have direct economic benefits for NSW, with the creation of new jobs supporting the delivery of these technical services, adding that the network will be resourced via a team of dedicated staff and the augmented use of existing field staff. The scope of activities includes first- and second-level maintenance of equipment on sites, first-level support for network core equipment (network switch) and general network operation and control activities, monitoring and reporting.

Airwave will take over operations of the network as of 1 August 2013, with the transition period already underway.

In Australia, Airwave Solutions Australia is owned by Broadcast Australia, which operates nationwide critical communication services from over 600 sites under long-term contracts with government. These services cover 99% of the population, supported by over 600 employees, including 250 field technicians, radio planning specialists, engineers and project staff. In addition to these staff there are 2000 trained first-in maintainers located close to communications sites in regional and remote locations that ensure continuity of these high-availability services, 24/7.

In the United Kingdom, Airwave Solutions Limited (Airwave UK) operates one of the world’s largest and most complex public safety voice and data networks, providing a nationwide, secure digital network for more than 300 individual emergency services and government agencies and over 300,000 subscribers.