Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) has recently implemented SmartConnect, a cutting-edge service provided by Motorola Solutions, to bolster the coverage and capacity of its crucial radio communications.  

The FRNSW, renowned for its swift emergency response, firefighting expertise, and rescue services, will be using the new service to ensure secure and uninterrupted communication by seamlessly transitioning between Land Mobile Radio (LMR) networks and the most reliable broadband services available. 

In remote areas, Motorola Solutions’ SmartConnect can even extend its coverage by leveraging satellite connectivity. 

Bushfires frequently pose significant threats, with the devastating losses experienced during the 2019-20 bushfire season leading to a Royal Commission on natural disaster arrangements.  

In response to the commission’s recommendations, FRNSW has been proactive in enhancing its response and resilience to future events. 

Motorola Solutions Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand Con Balaskas highlighted the value of SmartConnect in keeping FRNSW personnel connected during challenging circumstances. 

“Fire agencies and other emergency services trust LMR networks to provide resilience and widespread coverage to fulfill their mission,” he said.

“By automatically switching between LMR and broadband networks, SmartConnect protects firefighters by helping them to focus on their mission, knowing that their vital communications can roam with them where they need to go.”. 

SmartConnect boasts end-to-end encryption, guaranteeing the security of communication always even during the transition from LMR to LTE, Wi-Fi, and satellite networks.  

This mitigates the risk of communication “dead spots” in areas where coverage can suddenly drop, such as garages, interior spaces, and densely populated urban environments. 

FRNSW’s innovation with SmartConnect coincides with the implementation of its Connected Firefighter program, designed to equip firefighters with the latest information and communication technologies.  

This initiative is a direct response to the findings of the 2019-20 Bushfire Inquiry and is part of a broader investment of AUD $80 million by the New South Wales Government.  

Eliza Sayon

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Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.

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