Motorola to deploy radio network in WA

Motorola Solutions has been awarded a $40 million, five-year contract to supplement Western Australia’s emergency services radio communications under a shared, purpose-built secure network.

The new network forms part of a three-part project tender that was issued by the Western Australian Government earlier this year. The Community Safety Network project is fully funded under Western Australia’s Royalties for Regions program and will enable key state-based public safety agencies - the Western Australia Police (WAPOL), Department of Corrective Services (DCS) and Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) - to communicate across a single integrated and multijurisdictional network.

As part of the project, Motorola Solutions will provide more than 3250 new two-way radios for use across the three agencies, deploy 20 simulcast trunking sites and 180 P25 conventional sites, upgrade the existing Police Metropolitan Radio Network central core and extend the digital encrypted system technology across more than 200 radio sites state-wide.

Chris Dawson, deputy commissioner, Western Australia Police Service, said, “The new network reaffirms our commitment to equip our officers with the most resilient and advanced communication system possible and is particularly significant as it will enable police, fire and corrective service officers to communicate seamlessly across a single network for the first time, helping them enhance the safety of every person in WA. The Motorola Solutions network not only provides a solid technology platform for the future, but will also boast the largest geographic footprint in Australia - a significant win for our rural and regional communities, who do not have the appropriate communication tools at present.”

The network will cover 20,000 km² surrounding Perth’s metropolitan area plus an additional 25,000 km² throughout regional areas including the Pilbara, Mid-West, Goldfields-Esperance and South West regions - servicing approximately 95% of Western Australia’s population.

In addition to building and deploying the network, Motorola Solutions will also realign existing service agreements to support the WA Police in maintaining the network across the state.

Gary Starr, managing director, Motorola Solutions Australia and New Zealand, commented, “This is a significant contract for Motorola Solutions and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring all WA fire, police and corrective service officers have access to the latest leading-edge public safety solutions, significantly improving their ability to communicate during an incident or crisis.

“The new network draws on our extensive experience in implementing mission-critical public safety infrastructure and devices, and is one of the most advanced in the way it integrates a range of technology solutions over such a large geographic area. This new shared network will greatly enhance control and capability in the field, contributing to the success of preventing and fighting crimes, and saving lives across the state.”

Construction will commence in early 2012. Once complete, the network will be valued at more than $120 million and become one of the largest networks of its kind in geographic footprint.