Sky-based mobile networks enabled by drones set to transform critical communication and disaster relief connectivity in crisis situations

NSW Gov

We NSW Telco Authority held a series of demonstrations with our partners from Vocus, ACT Emergency Services Agency and NSW Rural Fire Service to showcase the latest developments in our the Next Generation Digital Connectivity initiative trials.

This month we were excited to showcase the latest developments in our Next Generation Digital Connectivity initiative trials.

Together with our partners Vocus, ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACT ESA) and NSW Rural Fire Service, (NSW RFS) we recently ranheld a series of demonstrations at the NSW RFS Rural Fire Service Eurobodalla Hot Fire Training Facility in Bimbimbie.

We tested the creation of temporary large area cellular, wWi-fFi and Land Mobile Radio networks by utilising a combination of drone and satellite backhaul technology.

These This types of solutions has the potential to transform critical communications and disaster relief connectivity. It could be used to help Emergency Services Organisations (ESOs) in activities such as missing persons searches that are challenging due to the terrain or distance from existing telecommunication networks.

The demonstration successfully provided LTE coverage for up to a 3km 3-kilometre radius in heavy bushland.

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