NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Telco Authority deliver Vehicle as a Node technology

Published: 2 May 2023

Vehicle as a Node technology provides mobile broadband or satellite connectivity even when there is no Public Safety Network coverage, allowing Emergency Services Organisations to stay connected.

NSW Telco Authority is working with NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) and Motorola to deliver the first Vehicle as a Node (VAAN) technology in NSW.

NSW SES is one of the first agencies in NSW to trial the VAAN technology through Motorola’s SmartConnect product.

SmartConnect uses VAAN capability to provide seamless connectivity for operational communications, even where there is no Public Safety Network (PSN) coverage.

The system uses least cost routing to prioritise the PSN for voice, switching to mobile broadband if available or satellite where no other network is available.

It has been designed to prioritise the PSN and cellular coverage and only switch to satellite where no other network is available. This gives frontline personnel a consistent user experience through their familiar in-vehicle radios.

It also provides PSN connectivity for SmartConnect-enabled portables via the VAAN solution wi-fi access point.

NSW Telco Authority is continuing our work to expand the PSN across populated areas and priority locations, with the VAAN field trial commencing in high-risk areas in the coming months.

This is an exciting and innovative solution that will improve NSW SES member communications across the state.

Learn more about VAAN technology.