Delivering an enhanced, Government Radio Network to improve mission critical and day-to-day operational communications for NSW.
The NSW Telco Authority is leading the transformation of operational communications for NSW Government agencies through the delivery of the Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP).
The CCEP is the first step in realising the NSW Government’s Operational Communications Strategy. This whole-of-government strategy outlines a new direction in the planning, delivery and management of radio and related communication services for the NSW Government sector.
The CCEP aims to deliver greater access to public safety standard radio communications for the State’s first responders and essential service agencies. This will be achieved by consolidating the large number of separate radio networks that are owned and operated by various NSW Government agencies to enhance the state’s existing shared Government Radio Network (GRN).
Moving to one shared network will support agencies to more easily communicate information (interoperability) and coordinate responses during critical incidents. It also delivers a single platform to support the adoption of future technologies, such as public safety mobile broadband, as the technology matures.
The CCEP commenced in March 2016 and during 2016/2017 has undertaken three key projects including:
• pilot to extend GRN coverage in the north-west region of the state
• state-wide audit that reviewed over 2,600 radio sites and almost 27,000 radio assets
• development of a preliminary design of the enhanced GRN across the majority of NSW.
In the recent NSW State Budget the Telco Authority received $177.7 million to continue the Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP) for the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years.
The funding will support the CCEP’s state-wide implementation activities such as the detailed design of the enhanced GRN and progressive implementation of the program in the North Coast region. It also includes ‘stay safe and keep operational’ funding which will support the five Emergency Service Organisations (ESOs) to keep their current networks operational while the CCEP is being delivered. These ESOs include, NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service and the NSW State Emergency Service.
Need more information on the CCEP?
For further information please contact CCEPinfo@finance.nsw.gov.au or 1800 794 862.