The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Sydney are the joint leads of the state’s Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN).
Developed by NSW Telco Authority in consultation with the Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, the CIN brings together the research community, industry and government agencies to solve connectivity challenges and deliver improved outcomes for the people of NSW.
Background
NSW Telco Authority is building a Public Safety Network across the state to provide emergency services organisations with mission-critical voice services. It is also coordinating and aligning whole-of-government connectivity programs and priorities to provide better mobile coverage for citizens in areas not well served by the traditional network operators and drive improved connectivity outcomes for the state.
Traditional infrastructure-based connectivity solutions are becoming less suitable for rural and remote areas due to the challenges of network reach and a higher risk of hazards such as bushfires and floods. Meanwhile, technology innovation in connectivity and supplementary data services is progressing rapidly, and new solutions are emerging from the research and development sector and smaller industry players.
The CIN brings this ecosystem together to provide emergency services organisations, essential services and citizens with improved connectivity and safety outcomes.
Connectivity Innovation Network
The Connectivity Innovation Network connects NSW Government agencies to specialists in our universities, research institutes and industry who have the skills to solve connectivity challenges in NSW.
The CIN will drive faster development of products and services through improved collaboration between its members, enhance access to best practice solutions by sharing information across government and deliver better value for money.
It will focus on finding innovative solutions to several connectivity challenges that are currently facing the NSW Government.
These challenges include but are not limited to:
- Power resilience: How might we enable first responders and communities to stay connected by utilising alternative power and backhaul technologies, so that the resilience of terrestrial-based networks is enhanced during emergency events?
- Ubiquitous connectivity: How might we deliver multiple programs more effectively by leveraging non-terrestrial connectivity technologies, so that we achieve ubiquitous statewide connectivity?
- Network & cyber automation: How might we improve the performance of our network and customer applications by using AI and data analytics, so that we can identify and action improvements more effectively?
- Sensors: How might we provide our customers with real-time environmental data by using sensors that leverage the connectivity network so that first responders can make better-informed decisions in emergencies?
Further information
For enquiries, please contact:
telco.innovation@customerservice.nsw.gov.au