SafetyNet Critical Communications Hourua and New Zealand Police have successfully completed operational testing of a new compact Public Safety Network Cellular Deployable (PCD), marking another significant milestone in the rollout of New Zealand's dedicated Public Safety Network.

The joint field exercise, conducted last week in the Akatarawa Ranges north of Upper Hutt, demonstrated the PCD's ability to rapidly establish secure cellular coverage in locations where communications are unavailable or have been disrupted. The successful trial confirmed the capability can provide emergency responders with reliable connectivity in remote and challenging operational environments.

Police officers participating in the exercise provided highly positive feedback, describing the capability as a "game changer" for frontline operations. Rural policing teams, in particular, highlighted the value of being able to quickly establish communications in areas where conventional mobile coverage is limited or non-existent.

Purpose-built for New Zealand's emergency services, the compact and lightweight PCD has been designed for rapid deployment by frontline personnel. With extended battery life and operation on SafetyNet's dedicated public safety spectrum, the deployable can establish secure communications without the extensive planning and infrastructure typically required for temporary communications solutions. This enables emergency services to restore connectivity quickly when time is critical.

The successful testing demonstrates how the Public Safety Network will provide emergency services with resilient communications capabilities wherever they are needed. Whether responding to emergencies in remote locations or restoring communications following a major incident, the PCD will give frontline responders the connectivity they need to coordinate operations and keep communities safe.

Operational testing will continue over the coming weeks at additional locations across the North Island, including Tongariro National Park. Fire and Emergency New Zealand will also undertake operational trials in Hawke's Bay as testing progresses across the emergency services sector.

Built using world-class technology and supported through local maintenance and servicing, the PCD fleet is designed to deliver a resilient, reliable communications capability for New Zealand's emergency services for years to come.

A fleet of 23 Public Safety Network Cellular Deployables remains on schedule for nationwide deployment in October 2026, providing emergency services with the ability to rapidly extend secure cellular coverage wherever it is required.