Groundbreaking communications technology designed to enhance emergency response capabilities will be unveiled today, providing critical support to first responders by eliminating dangerous communications black spots. The new system will keep firefighters and State Emergency Service (SES) personnel connected during disaster situations, ensuring they can operate efficiently and safely.

In a major advancement for public safety, over 1,300 vehicles across Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW SES have been equipped with mobile Wi-Fi systems. This cutting-edge technology ensures continuous 4G or satellite communication access, regardless of on-the-ground infrastructure damage during emergencies.

The highly resilient communications equipment installed in these vehicles enables emergency responders to seamlessly use radios, mobile phones, and other handheld devices anytime, anywhere. The system, known as ‘vehicle as a node,’ allows crews to connect to satellites when terrestrial 4G or radio networks are unavailable, ensuring uninterrupted communication even when local infrastructure is compromised during a disaster.

This innovation significantly improves the clarity of voice communication, enhances connectivity, and fosters greater interoperability with other emergency services. It also boosts situational awareness during operations, leading to more coordinated and effective disaster response.

Following the installation of this state-of-the-art system, work is now underway to enable Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles to serve as mobile Wi-Fi hubs. These hubs will allow first responders to access mobile phone services and live video streaming directly from the field. Live video streaming will provide critical real-time footage, further enhancing situational awareness and response coordination.

The technology is now a standard feature for all new vehicles acquired by Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW SES.

Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of this technological upgrade, stating: “I’ve visited many communities devastated by natural disasters, and it’s clear that improving emergency communications is vital. This new technology is crucial for providing timely advice, ensuring that first responders can stay connected with communities, even in the most remote areas. We are equipping our emergency personnel with the tools they need to overcome connectivity challenges and provide faster, more efficient support during crises.”

Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib highlighted the significance of eliminating communication black spots for first responders: “Black spots have long hindered our emergency agencies' response efforts. Since March, over 400 SES vehicles and more than 900 Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles have been fitted with this new technology. This state-of-the-art system offers our frontline firefighters and SES crews the support they need to better protect the community.”

Fire and Rescue NSW Deputy Commissioner for Strategic Capability Megan Stiffler added:“Over the past 12 months, we have rolled out this new communications technology across our fleet. It transforms each firetruck into a modern communications hub equipped with the latest AVL technology, ensuring that the closest firetruck is always dispatched to an emergency.”

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM emphasized the benefits of this innovation for regional areas: “This technology significantly improves communication coverage, particularly in regional areas with limited connectivity. In cases where mobile broadband or public safety networks are down, our vehicles can easily switch to satellite connectivity, ensuring that our members in the field can stay in contact with each other and with the State Operations Centre.”

This technology marks a major milestone in enhancing NSW’s disaster response capabilities, ensuring first responders are always connected and can provide life-saving support when and where it is needed most.