New Radio Communications Circular and Strategy
The NSW Government has approved the Telco Authority developing a new sector-wide 10-year radio and related communications strategy.
The strategy will set out the key operating models, principles and actions required to improve service delivery to frontline emergency and public safety workers, rationalise government radio communications assets and deliver value to the NSW Government from 2015 to 2025.
We are working with key agencies to determine their long term communications needs to include in the development of the strategy.
In the meantime, the Government has approved a new circular to replace Premier’s Memorandum 2010-16. The new OFS-2014-02-NSW Government Radio Communications Strategy circular provides guidance to agencies on ensuring that their radio and related communications investment, planning and spectrum licensing decisions are in line with the future direction of the sector.
New arrangements for the approval of significant expenditure on radio and related communications infrastructure and services
The Treasury and Finance Circular sets out a series of measures that will guide agencies in planning their investment activities so that they are in accordance with the overall direction of the sector unless exempted.
The Circular sets out a new approval process for agencies who wish to invest in the following categories:
- any significant expenditure (over $500,000) on new radio communications assets and commercial services
- for new sites or new towers on a site, regardless of cost.
It also covers when an agency wishes to purchase radio-related services without using the existing Panel Contract.