Emergency and essential services in the Parramatta CBD have benefitted from a 92 per cent increase in portable radio coverage with the completion of a new radio site in the area.
The significant increase in coverage has enabled emergency, law enforcement and essential services to better protect the Parramatta community.
Kate Foy, Managing Director NSW Telco Authority, explained that as the Parramatta CBD continued to undergo rapid expansion, the construction of new buildings reduced Government Radio Network (GRN) coverage across the area.
“I’m proud to say that we have successfully improved the overall network coverage in the Parramatta region for our users.”
“It’s essential that emergency services are able to protect the public and respond to critical incidents,” said Ms Foy.
These improvements also deliver significantly enhanced coverage inside buildings. Radio signals are weakened when they pass through buildings, particularly where there are thick concrete walls or UV protective glass. The latest tests indicate a 65 per cent improvement of in-building coverage across multiple locations.
Barry Wademan, Acting Chief Superintendent, Sheriff’s Office, said the in-building improvements have enabled law enforcement authorities to operate more smoothly.
“The significant improvement in GRN coverage has made it easier for our Officers to communicate across the Precinct. Officers have reported a ten-out-of-ten improvement in reception and clarity in all three courts.”
This project is part of the wider Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP) that NSW Telco Authority is rolling out across NSW, increasing radio coverage throughout the state.