There were many lessons learned from the February 2022 flood and the 2019 bushfires, including communication.

The NSW Government has rolled out a $5 million fleet of new technologies so that communities impacted by bushfires, floods, or severe weather events can stay connected after natural disasters.

In a significant step forward as the bushfire season nears, the technologies will provide backup connectivity for communities and emergency responders.

Cells on Wheels

This includes four Cells on Wheels units, which connect to the internet by satellite to provide free public Wi-Fi access.

Each asset can provide Wi-Fi coverage up to 500 metres away, while units can be linked to cover an even wider area.

Self-powered and mounted on trailers, the units can be dispatched in a matter of hours to provide temporary Wi-Fi connectivity to communities when regular telecommunications infrastructure is damaged or destroyed. 

This will provide essential internet access to people so they can contact family, apply for support, access documents, or lodge insurance claims, even when local networks are down.

The Cells on Wheels, also known as COWs, are due to be delivered this summer following the NSW Telco Authority awarding the contract to regional communication specialist Pivotel.

Portable Connection Units

Additionally, Service NSW has introduced eight Portable Connection Units which will provide Wi-Fi internet access in disaster recovery centres for staff and locals.

These are easily transportable and can switch between local mobile networks to provide internet connection for up to 100 devices.

Satellite-enabled Service NSW vehicle

A new satellite-equipped Service NSW vehicle has now hit the road.

Using Starlink satellite technology, this allows a mobile service centre to be established anywhere at any time, with its own independent broadband connection, ready to help customers.

Along with allowing Service NSW to set up temporary offices anywhere, locals will be able to connect to the internet via a public Wi-Fi hotspot.

Public Safety Network

In addition to keeping the community online, the Government is also delivering new technologies to help emergency services personnel get on with their vital work.

The Public Safety Network is the communications network used by emergency services and is critical for keeping emergency and essential services connected during a crisis.

Public Safety Network sites are similar to a mobile phone base station, typically featuring a tower and an equipment shelter.

To quickly restore Public Safety Network outages caused by natural disasters damaging infrastructure, three fire-resistant portable communications shelters can now be deployed.

These will be able to replace destroyed shelters within around a fortnight, greatly reducing the time needed to fully restore a site.

The NSW Telco Authority will also position 18 new trailer generators across the state, ready to be transported to Public Safety Network sites that have lost power in an emergency.

Premier Chris Minns said, “Telecommunication networks can be limited, damaged or destroyed during emergencies – at a time when they’re needed most.

“We know this adds to stress, with people unable to connect with family members or access post-emergency information.

“This technology will help people contact loved ones and stay connected in times of need.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “In 2022, we found out the hard way that our communications networks were not fit for purpose in the case of a natural disaster, as mobile and wifi towers failed, leaving many communities completely isolated.

"The Minns Government’s rollout of these Cells on Wheels and other technology shows we are committed to being better prepared for disasters and keeping people safe.”