New South Wales Emergency Services leverage NSW Telco Authority’s Kymeta antennas for regional communication during disasters

20 July 2022 

The expansion of the satellite services will give multiple emergency services agencies across New South Wales access to the New South Wales Telco Authority network anywhere within the Optus satellite footprint.

The addition of the Kymeta antennas through Optus gives the New South Wales Telco Authority the largest fleet of Kymeta antennas in Australia.

Optus, Australia’s largest and most experienced satellite owner and operator, has expanded its partnership with the New South Wales Telco Authority, by increasing the reach of the Authority’s current regional network to provide lifesaving communication solutions for the state’s emergency services.

As part of the expansion, Optus has supplied the New South Wales Telco Authority with an additional eight ruggedised Kymeta U8 flat panel antenna. The U8 is a portable ‘Comms on the Move’ antenna, provided in a ruggedised case which allows for easy transport and setup.

These antennas will provide the New South Wales Telco Authority with the ability to leverage the vast Optus satellite footprint to establish a virtual point-of-presence, supporting critical communications even when existing infrastructure has been compromised. The solution is also easy to deploy with minimal technical expertise and will primarily support data connectivity for deployable Cell on Wheels infrastructure.

Gladys Berejiklian, Managing Director, Enterprise and Business at Optus said, “Optus is proud to play such a big part in supporting the New South Wales Telco Authority by providing critical communications infrastructure through Optus’ world-class network and innovative satellite technology. This infrastructure keeps New South Wales’ emergency services connected so they can continue to carry out the essential work that they do in our regional communities.”

Optus already provides a managed satellite network to the New South Wales Telco Authority, supporting the agency in carrying its radio-over-IP traffic, as well as its 4G traffic, for fixed, redeployable and temporary locations.

With the New South Wales Telco Authority deployments, Optus further builds on its position as the largest commercial supplier of Kymeta antennas in Australia and New Zealand, with a strong presence in regional Australia to provide seamless cost-effective access.