Introduction
The Next Generation Digital Connectivity initiative leverages innovative technologies to provide digital connectivity and emergency assistance to disaster-affected populations, helping to keep communities secure and connected.
Challenge
Lack of connectivity has been a recurring issue highlighted in flood and bushfire inquiries. During disasters this hinders the ability of communities to seek help, communicate with loved ones, receive warnings, and access post-disaster information.
Solution
To address these challenges, NSW Telco Authority conducted customer consultations across NSW Government to determine where innovative digital resources are most required to maximise service uplift. The team developed a business case to secure funding from the Digital Restart Fund and lead the $3.5 million Next Generation Digital Connectivity initiative.
The initiative explored four connectivity themes, including nomadic connectivity services, operational mesh wi-fi connectivity, emerging satellite service-enabled connectivity and operational data over commercial services.
The experiments were conducted in collaboration with the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Transport for NSW, NSW Reconstruction Authority, NSW Police, NSW State Emergency Service, Service NSW, NSW Maritime and ACT Emergency Services Agency. Technology partners included Hypha, Av-Comm and Field Solutions Group, Optus and Vocus.
To validate the feasibility of emerging technologies, the team conducted experiments that simulated real-life scenarios across regional locations. Locations such as Bimbimbie, Eugowra, and Bents Basin State Conservation Area were chosen for the experiments to enable the scenarios. Test sites included mobile and service command centres, disaster recovery points, public amenity buildings, monitored public areas, community centres and maritime zones with connectivity blackspots.
Expected Outcomes
The outcomes of these trials led to recommendations for government investment in two scalable solutions: broadband Cells on Wheels and Vehicle as a Node for the RFS.
Additionally, data and insights gathered during these experiments contribute to the development, publication, and continuous updating of several advisory guides. For example, the Price Guide for Satellite Internet Services offers comprehensive product and data plan information and pricing, helping government agencies in procuring low-earth orbit satellites. Another resource, the Guide to Improving Connectivity, provides a decision framework to assist agencies in understanding key considerations when selecting the most suitable connectivity solution for their organisation.
By applying a customer-centric approach throughout the Next Generation Digital Connectivity initiative, NSW Telco Authority played an important role in planning and developing digital products and services that have the potential to enhance connectivity across the entire state, benefiting government agencies, businesses and local communities.