New tech to keep NSW communities connected after disasters

Communities impacted by bushfires, floods or severe weather events will be able to better stay connected after natural disasters, with the NSW Government rolling out a $5 million fleet of new technologies to provide backup connectivity for communities and emergency responders.

The rollout includes four Cell on Wheels (CoW) units, which connect to the internet by satellite to provide free public Wi-Fi access. Each asset can provide Wi-Fi coverage up to 500 metres away, while units can be linked to cover an even wider area.

Self-powered and mounted on trailers, the units can be dispatched in a matter of hours to provide temporary Wi-Fi connectivity to communities when regular telecommunications infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. This will provide essential internet access to people so they can contact family, apply for support, access documents or lodge insurance claims, even when local networks are down.

The COWs are due to be delivered this summer, following the NSW Telco Authority awarding the contract to regional communication specialist Pivotel. They are being delivered as part of the Western Sydney Floods Resilience Plan, an election commitment of the Minns government.

Service NSW has meanwhile introduced eight portable connection units (PCUs) which will provide Wi-Fi internet access in disaster recovery centres for staff and locals. These are easily transportable and can switch between local mobile networks to provide internet connection for up to 100 devices.

Furthermore, a new satellite-equipped Service NSW vehicle has now hit the road. Using Starlink satellite technology, this allows a mobile service centre to be established anywhere at any time, with its own independent broadband connection, ready to help customers. Along with allowing Service NSW to set up temporary offices anywhere, locals will be able to connect to the internet via a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

The government is also enhancing the Public Safety Network (PSN) — the communications network used by emergency services, which is critical for keeping these services connected during a crisis. PSN sites are similar to a mobile phone base station, typically featuring a tower and an equipment shelter.

To quickly restore PSN outages caused by natural disasters damaging infrastructure, three fire-resistant portable communications shelters can now be deployed, which will be able to replace destroyed shelters within around a fortnight. The NSW Telco Authority will also position 18 new trailer generators across the state, ready to be transported to PSN sites which have lost power in an emergency.

“When an emergency or natural disaster occurs, connectivity is crucial, and the new technology we are rolling out will make it easier for people to contact loved ones, access support and even commence insurance claims,” said NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib.

“We already have a reliable radio communications system for first responders, but natural disasters can damage this infrastructure. The NSW Government is delivering innovative technologies including CoWs and PCUs to provide an important backup when traditional networks are down.

“Whether it’s flooding, fires or extreme weather events, these solutions can be rapidly deployed to impacted areas, helping communities stay connected and get back on their feet.”

Image caption: The rollout includes four Cell on Wheels (CoW) units.