When disaster strikes, every second counts. For the first time in Australia, the Global Public Safety Operators Conference (GPSOC) brought together more than 100 public safety delegates from 17 countries to advance critical communications.
Global collaboration was front and centre at this year’s GPSOC, hosted by NSW Telco Authority in Sydney. Delegates from across the world shared lessons, innovations and partnerships to strengthen public safety communications.
Over 3 days, discussions spanned the full Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) lifecycle – from business planning and procurement to regulation, spectrum access and governance. Delegates heard real-world insights from international counterparts who have already delivered mission-critical broadband capabilities, offering valuable insights into what’s required to achieve similar outcomes in Australia.
Frontline emergency services offered powerful perspectives on how reliable connectivity supports response during fires, floods and other critical incidents. Their stories underscored a key message: Australia still lacks fit-for-purpose, mission critical broadband for emergency services, and the risks of inaction are significant.
On the first day of the conference, the then Acting NSW Minister for Customer Service & Digital Government and Minister for Emergency Services, The Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, opened with a keynote address highlighting the importance of public safety communications. Following the keynote, NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney called for urgent action to secure dedicated spectrum for public safety, reminding delegates that lives depend on reliable communications.
“Every minute we delay is a minute our first responders remain at risk,” Kylie De Courteney said.
“We cannot wait for the next disaster to act. Our emergency services need mission critical broadband that works – everywhere, every time.”
The Day 1 sessions provided insights into how other nations are navigating the transition to mission-critical broadband, with real-world examples showing how major incidents like 9/11 and events such as the Paris Olympics have accelerated national investment. The unanimous message from global experts was clear: commercial networks alone cannot guarantee the resilience and priority access that emergency services require.
Day 2 focused on reliable and widespread connectivity for public safety. Delegates explored solutions including deployable assets such as mobile cells on wheels and backpack units for remote or difficult terrain, Low Earth Orbit satellites to provide resilient coverage, and network expansion to ensure emergency responders are never out of range. In the afternoon, voices from the frontline brought the discussion to life, with emergency services leaders demonstrating how broadband-enabled communications enhance operations and safety during floods, fires and other critical incidents.
Finally, Day 3 concluded with a showcase of technologies used in the field by NSW Emergency Services Organisations. Delegates saw first-hand the command vehicles, deployable assets and tools that keep communities safe. Despite these advances, the conference reinforced that the job is not done – without mission critical broadband, lives remain at risk.
The insights shared at GPSOC Sydney must drive urgent action. When networks fail, lives hang in the balance. Reliable connectivity is essential, so every responder has the tools they need to protect communities.
NSW Telco Authority is proud to be part of the global movement driving safer, more connected communities.
The insights shared at GPSOC Sydney will continue to shape national and international collaboration in this field. The conversation will continue at Comms Connect 2025, where our leaders will share reflections on the next steps for delivering critical communications capability in Australia.
About GPSOC Sydney
The Global Public Safety Operators Conference brings together public safety, government and industry leaders from around the world to share experiences and solutions that advance critical communications. Hosted in Sydney in 2025, the conference explored how mission-critical broadband and next-generation connectivity can enhance the safety and effectiveness of frontline responders.