Mobile Wi-Fi to Aid Communities Affected by Disasters
Satellites and solar panels will be deployed to ensure that New South Wales (NSW) communities stay connected as bushfire season approaches.
The state government is introducing portable equipment connected to Elon Musk’s Starlink network to provide backup internet connectivity during natural disasters, enabling communities and emergency responders to stay connected.
This technology includes trailer-mounted, solar-powered satellite internet stations that can offer wi-fi coverage within a roughly 500-meter radius.
Four portable connectivity units are being sent out, which can be combined to cover larger areas.
These units will also be available in Service NSW disaster-recovery centers, along with a satellite-equipped vehicle, allowing the agency to establish temporary offices with internet access.
The provided connectivity will be useful for communicating with family members, applying for government support, and submitting insurance claims after disaster events.
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“This technology will assist people in reaching out to loved ones and staying connected during times of necessity,” expressed Premier Chris Minns on Sep. 20.
Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib highlighted the rapid deployability of this technology.
“While we already have a reliable radio communications system for first responders, natural disasters can impact this infrastructure,” he mentioned.
The government’s investment of around $5 million (US$3.4 million) in this technology will ensure its deployment for the summer season.
The four units will be based in Sydney and dispatched to locations where disasters occur.
Dib added, “We aim to deploy them as early as possible, and centralizing them in one location facilitates their accessibility, maintenance, and movement.”
The mobile wi-fi transmitters will tap into satellite internet services.
Kylie De Courteney, the managing director of NSW Telco Authority, mentioned that various options were evaluated for capacity, and the units will initially utilize Starlink services, connecting to a network of low-orbit satellites.
“The units have been designed to incorporate any satellite service as needed, so as we introduce and test them, we can incorporate services like (National Broadband Network) SkyMuster or any upcoming satellite services,” she explained.
