NSW Government agency responsibilities when investing in radio communications
Before you invest
All NSW Government agencies must seek approval from NSW Telco Authority (NSWTA) before investing in radio communications assets or services.
This obligation is outlined in the Circular DCS-2022-02: NSW Government Operational Communications Strategy.
State-owned corporations are encouraged to comply with the Circular.
Ready to invest
It is mandatory for all NSW Government agencies to use the ITS2573 Operational Telecommunications Equipment, Infrastructure and Services Scheme when investing in radio communications assets or services. The Scheme is also available for other eligible customers.
The Scheme is a panel of prequalified and registered service providers. It assists NSW Government agencies and eligible customers achieve the best value for money when investing public funds, while being fair, ethical, and transparent.
The Scheme is managed by NSWTA on behalf of the NSW Government.
How is radio defined?
| Radio includes | Radio does not include |
|---|---|
| HF, VHF and UHF radio networks. This includes radio terminals, paging terminals, paging infrastructure, repeaters, dispatch consoles, control systems and power infrastructure. | IoT sensors. |
| 3G (WCDMA), 4G (LTE) and 5G (NR) networks. This includes any associated consoles, spectrum, vehicular or transportable equipment, and SIM/eSIM/Services with any LTE carrier/MVNO used for operational communications. | Standalone wi-fi networks. |
| Fixed wireless networks. | Fixed line (FTTX) networks. |
| Transmission or backhaul services that support the networks defined as radio. This includes microwave, leased line, satellite, fibre, and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), satellite infrastructure, terminals, and services. | SIM and commercial phone plan contracts not used for operational communications. |
How is operational communications defined?
Operational communications is defined in the Government Telecommunications Act 2018.
Operational communications facilitate the exercise of functions by a government agency:
- in connection with preventing, preparing for, responding to, or recovering from an emergency, public safety incident or other incident posing a risk of harm to any person or property. This includes training activities in relation to the exercise of these functions); and
- in relation to NSW Police Force in connection with law enforcement and compliance.
Under the Government Telecommunications Act 2018, NSWTA owns and operates operational communications for the NSW Government. Other agencies are not permitted to invest in operational communications unless they have the endorsement of NSWTA to pursue Ministerial approval under section 17 of the Act or if established under section 42 by the NSW Police Force.
Contact
If you have questions about NSW Government investment in radio communications, please contact NSWTA by using this online form.