NSW Police extends NEC Australia's contract to upgrade its radio network

The New South Wales Police Force has awarded the next phase of its microwave radio communications network upgrade to NEC Australia.

The phase will have NEC supply 110 iPasolink VR terminals to the New England region of northern NSW, adding to the 180 terminals previously deployed.

The iPasolink VR is a high-capacity microwave radio and carrier-grade packet switch that supports both optical and microwave.

“The new iPasolink platform is underpinning our critical radio communications network, essential to the protection of NSW’s seven million people,” NSW Police Force commander for wireless technology David Brogden said.

“Not only is it robust in all conditions but its light weight also helps us reduce operational costs”.

NEC did not reveal the cost of the contract, but said the infrastructure would support NSW Police’s 20,000 staff across 500 police stations across the state. The IT firm was awarded a "radio links and associated training" contract valued at $399,973 with NSW Police in March.

The first phase was tendered in 2014, with NEC deploying the first 180 terminals in rural areas across NSW, from the northern rivers area to the south far coast, as well as the arid areas in the Murray-Darling basin.

The project is part of the Police Communications Assurance Program, which provides fully resilient emergency services communications covering an area of 801,600 square kilometres.

“This contract is another example of NEC’s expertise in designing and delivering innovative solutions for Australia’s emergency and public safety agencies,” NEC Australia radio solutions business manager Krisztian Som said.