NSW Government launches operational communications strategy
The NSW Government has launched the operational communications strategy – a ten-year plan to enhance agency frontline telecommunications capabilities in NSW.
Developed by the NSW Telco Authority in consultation with relevant agencies, the strategy will streamline operational communications resources and harness innovative technology, enabling agencies, including emergency services, to deliver better services.
Minister for Finance, services and property, Dominic Perrottet, said the operational communications strategy looks to the future of telecommunications.
“Communications are an essential part of critical frontline services,” Perrottet said.
“In everything we do, the NSW Government is committed to making better use of existing resources, and taking advantage of the best technology available, to deliver the high levels of service the people of NSW expect,” he said.
“This strategy establishes a clear roadmap to ensure the communications networks that service our critical frontline agencies are highly effective and ready for the future.”
Perrottet mentioned that historically, more than 70 NSW agencies have separately built, owned and operated their own dedicated communications networks. Under the strategy, agency operational communications resources will move to an integrated model, delivering a common platform that reduces duplication and improves utilisation of existing infrastructure.
He added that the strategy will improve the communications reach of frontline agencies, while at the same time delivering a significant reduction in maintenance costs. In addition, the strategy also establishes a pathway to incorporating the latest mission-critical communications technology for voice, video and data transmission.
Perrottet indicated further efficiencies are expected by making better use of private sector service providers, with a streamlined, coordinated approach to market engagement to be adopted across agencies in meeting their operational communications needs.
The authority is currently working closely with relevant agencies to develop a range of implementation options, to be considered by Government in the first quarter of 2016.
