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In preparation for the upcoming bushfire season, a significant technological initiative is being implemented to ensure that communities affected by natural disasters remain connected. An AU$5 million investment in new connectivity solutions is being deployed to provide critical communication support to both the public and emergency responders in New South Wales (NSW). These technologies are designed to offer backup communication services during bushfires, floods, and other severe weather events when conventional infrastructure is compromised.
One of the key components of this initiative is the deployment of four mobile communication units, commonly referred to as Cells on Wheels (COWs). These units are self-powered and mounted on trailers, allowing them to be easily transported and quickly set up in disaster-stricken areas. The COWs utilise satellite connections to provide public Wi-Fi, ensuring internet access within a 500-meter range. If needed, multiple units can be linked together to cover a broader area, offering reliable connectivity even when traditional networks have been damaged or destroyed.
The rapid deployment capability of the COWs is especially crucial during emergencies, as they can be dispatched within hours. This swift response ensures that affected communities have access to essential internet services, enabling individuals to communicate with loved ones, apply for disaster relief, access important documents, and file insurance claims, even in the absence of local telecommunications infrastructure.
In addition to the COWs, portable internet solutions are being introduced to further enhance connectivity during disaster recovery operations. A set of eight Portable Connection Units (PCUs) will be available for use in disaster recovery centres. These units are designed to provide Wi-Fi access for both staff and local residents in affected areas. Easily transportable, the PCUs can switch between available mobile networks, providing internet connections for up to 100 devices at a time. This ensures that recovery operations can continue smoothly while offering vital communication links to the public.
Another element of this technological rollout is a new satellite-enabled service vehicle. This vehicle is equipped with advanced satellite technology, enabling it to establish independent broadband connections anywhere it is deployed. Designed for mobility, the vehicle allows temporary service centres to be set up in remote or disaster-affected locations, providing internet access to those in need. The mobile unit also functions as a public Wi-Fi hotspot, further extending connectivity to individuals in the vicinity.
To further ensure the continuity of the PSN, 18 new trailer-mounted generators will be distributed across NSW. These generators can be swiftly transported to PSN sites that have lost power due to natural disasters, helping maintain critical communication capabilities for emergency responders.
The Premier emphasised the importance of reliable telecommunications during crises, noting that connectivity is often disrupted when it is most needed, adding stress to already challenging situations. The new technologies aim to alleviate this issue by providing robust backup systems that keep people connected to family, emergency services, and essential resources.
This initiative underscores the increasing importance of innovative technology in disaster management. By investing in mobile communication solutions, satellite-enabled vehicles, and resilient infrastructure, NSW is proactively ensuring connectivity for communities and emergency services during crises. These advancements mark a significant step in enhancing the state’s resilience to natural disasters, enabling faster restoration of communication services and aiding quicker community recovery.
