This month we were excited to showcase the latest developments in our Next Generation Digital Connectivity initiative trials.
Together with our partners Vocus, ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACT ESA) and NSW Rural Fire Service, (NSW RFS) we recently ranheld a series of demonstrations at the NSW RFS Rural Fire Service Eurobodalla Hot Fire Training Facility in Bimbimbie.
We tested the creation of temporary large area cellular, wWi-fFi and Land Mobile Radio networks by utilising a combination of drone and satellite backhaul technology.
These This types of solutions has the potential to transform critical communications and disaster relief connectivity. It could be used to help Emergency Services Organisations (ESOs) in activities such as missing persons searches that are challenging due to the terrain or distance from existing telecommunication networks.
The demonstration successfully provided LTE coverage for up to a 3km 3-kilometre radius in heavy bushland.
The solution used a cutting-edge @XM2's EON800 Heavy Lift Tether System drone to support a payload of an LTE base station, a wWi-fFi access point and a P25 repeater. This created, allowing the creation of a canopy of wireless connectivity quickly and flexibly.
Through tethering, the drone is connected to a cable that provides a fibre optic feed down to a Starlink terminal and LTE core on the ground. Coverage can be maintained for many hours as because power is sourced fromprovided by a generator.
Our Product team is testing new technology solutions that can better meet the needs of ESOs Emergency Services Organisations and the community in crisis situations. This work aims to assist our first responders in coordinating responses during critical incidents.
Watch a video from Vocus showcasing this demonstration.
