NSW Telco Authority awards NEC with critical communications contract

NEC Australia has been awarded a contract to enhance the New South Wales government's radio network for critical communications.

The solutions provider will deliver the next phase of the NSW Telco Authority’s critical communication enhancement program, which involves microwave backhaul, network management systems and ongoing support.

The program aims to provide better coverage and better service for critical communications in the state, specifically with public safety and essential service agencies in mind.

"The new contract with the NSW Telco Authority, under the ITS 2573 scheme, builds on NEC’s work with the authority and the successful delivery of a pilot project in the state’s north-west and reaffirms NEC’s leadership and expertise to provide reliable, carrier-grade mission-critical wireless solutions that will enable the NSW government to build a secure and resilient critical communication infrastructure for emergency services,” NEC Australia business manager for radio solutions Krisztian Som said.

"At NEC, we believe technology is key to enhance public safety, and we are proud to be part of the ongoing initiatives to provide first responders improved and more cost-effective communication."

The work will be done as part of the program’s rollout on the NSW North Coast, covering some 87 sites and an additional 40 priority sites using NEC’s iPASOLINK VR ultra-compact microwave communications system and Ubiquiti network management system (UNMS).

NEC is one of several suppliers for the program under the ITS 2573 Operational Telecommunications Equipment, Infrastructure and Services Prequalification Scheme.

In August, the NSW Telco Authority put out a call for information into the network’s future to determine the scope required to construct, operate and maintain the network’s services moving forward.

NSW Telco Authority managing director Kate Foy said at the time that the program would help grow the government radio network from 180 to some 400 sites over the next few years, eventually increasing to 700 sites when fully built across metropolitan and regional NSW.