Emergency services providers across the globe are in the midst of a communications crisis that can cost lives during a disaster. Jointly, this was a challenge addressed in an international service brought together by more than 100 delegates in 17 countries, convened to debate at the Global Public Safety Operators Conference held in Sydney. It was not a typical technology conference but a wake-up call regarding the sure signs of dangerous loopholes in the emergency communications systems.
Global leaders unite for mission-critical broadband solutions
The Global Public Safety Operators Conference was an influential meeting of leaders in various parts of the world with an interest in the development of mission-critical broadband and public safety communications. Hosted by the NSW Telco Authority, the three-day event was an inclusive platform for imparting global experiences throughout the entire Public Safety Mobile Broadband lifecycle, including planning, procurement, spectrum governance in operation, and deployment.
During more than three days, representatives of 17 countries realized the revolutionary overthrow of old radio networks by mission-critical broadband. High-priority issues were clearly identified, such as the resilience of the network, prioritisation of connectivity, and interoperability – all of which are essential for managing an emergency response in the event of fires, floods, and other high-risk situations. The contributions of the frontline emergency services were strong reminders that reliable communications are not only technical necessities but other financial resources that save lives.
Australia suffers a critical emergency communications gap
Regardless of international developments, it is evident that there has been an acute reality of a lack of fit-to-purpose and of mission-critical broadband upon which patients or employees of emergency responders rely in Australia. In case of a communication network crash, the consequences are often deadly, which is why national action is urgently needed.
Urgent spectrum allocation required by the NSW Telco Authority
The opening of the conference established a control point by NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney, who made clear calls to tackle the current industry urgently to be able to allocate separate spectrum to public safety communications. Her message was absolutely clear: resilience and priority access are needed by emergency services during critical events and that can only be achieved by using dedicated networks over and above commercial networks.
“Every minute that we procrastinate is one minute that our first responders stand on the brink as well, and this is why De Courteney stressed this point to the global audience. We do not have time to wait to be struck by another disaster. “Our emergency services require 24/7 mission-critical broadband connectivity that is reliable – anywhere, anytime.”
A recent call to applicants for a government contract to develop an adequate national Emergency Communications System for Australia, the most urgent revelation was of how Australia’s emergency communications facilities trail other countries.
Key conference outcomes:
- More than 100 delegates from 17 countries attended the seminar.
- Public Safety Mobile Broadband lifecycle is under focus.
- Network resilience and interoperability.
- Request permanent spectrum allocation.
Successful implementations of internationally developed models are found
International lessons learned on the delivery of mission-critical broadband capabilities provided insight into what Australia was likely to face. Crisis can, and has, led to much-needed change as seen in countries around the world where national investment following major events such as 9/11 and the Paris Olympics has significantly increased to meet the identified need.
GPSOC Sydney attendees have a responsibility to ensure that the decision-making we have received results in immediate action in all of our participating countries. Since no one among all disaster responders is disposable in a crisis, consistent connectivity is instrumental as it allows personnel to use any activity that will ensure the necessary help for saving lives during an emergency.