During floods and fires not being able to communicate is scary and dangerous.
“In 2022 we found out the hard way that our communications networks were not fit for purpose in the case of a natural disaster, as mobile and wifi towers failed leaving many communities completely isolated,” State MP Janelle Saffin said.
A new fleet of technology from the State Government will help communities be more prepared for disasters and better able to respond to bushfires, floods and other severe weather events.
The $5 million plan will see the deployment of eight portable connection units, which will provide wifi internet access to 100 devices in areas without connectivity.
It will also include four Cells on Wheels (COW) units, which can provide free internet access up to 500 metres away from mobile and wifi towers.
These units can be set up in hours and will be able to provide internet access to essential services such as family, friends, applying for support, accessing documents and lodging insurance claims.
The new technology will be used to support emergency services personnel by keeping the public safety network communications network available during natural disasters.
The NSW government said it was also delivering 18 new trailer generators to support public safety communications sites that have lost power during storms.
This information was provided by the NSW Government.
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