Communities impacted by bushfires, floods or severe weather events will be able to stay connected after natural disasters, with a $5 million fleet of new technologies being rolled out by the NSW Government.

In a significant step forward as the bush fire 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.

The delivery of the COWs delivers on a Minns Labor Government election commitment as part of the Western Sydney Floods Resilience Plan.

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 which 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.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said, “When an emergency or natural disaster occurs, connectivity is crucial, and the new technology we are rolling out will make it easier for people to contact loved ones, access support and even commence insurance claims.

“We already have a reliable radio communications system for first responders, but natural disasters can damage this infrastructure. The NSW Government is delivering innovative technologies including COWs and PCUs to provide an important backup when traditional networks are down.

“Whether it’s flooding, fires or extreme weather events, these solutions can be rapidly deployed to impacted areas, helping communities stay connected and get back on their feet.”

Managing Director of NSW Telco Authority Kylie De Courteney said: “NSW Telco Authority is committed to bringing people and communities back online faster than ever when disaster strikes.

“This investment into innovative technologies means the NSW Government can now better respond during and after a crisis and restore connectivity for community and emergency services alike.”

Chief Executive of Pivotel Peter Bolger said:

“We are immensely proud to be awarded this contract to deploy our broadband Cell on Wheels solution and we commend the NSW Government for leading this groundbreaking initiative in Australia.

“Engineered for rapid deployment, Pivotel’s advanced mobile communication units are critical in bridging the communication gap during disasters like floods and bushfires, ensuring access to continuous and reliable communication services when they’re needed most.”