Tait Electronics completes upgrade of Victoria SMR Network in partnership with Telstra in record time

Leading mobile radio communications company, Tait Electronics, has successfully completed the network upgrade of the Victorian StateNet Mobile Radio (SMR) network under subcontract to Telstra.

This project was completed in a record time of ten months. Tait Electronics was responsible for providing Telstra with network switching and radio technologies as part of Telstra’s contract extension to replace Victoria’s trunked radio network.

The contract, worth more than AUS $18 million to the Brisbane based company, is a core component of the Victorian state government’s commitment to the provision of improved communications to Victoria’s regional and rural emergency services.

Victorian Statenet Mobile Radio Network

The Victorian Statenet Mobile Radio network upgrade was one of the largest infrastructure projects managed by Telstra last year covering 101 sites, 500 channels and 4 switch nodes, which supports more than 17,000 terminals.

The upgraded StateNet Mobile Radio network offers increased functionality and greater security. The network provides improved voice quality and channel capacity which can be leveraged by the Victorian State Government for world class events such as the upcoming 2006 Commonwealth Games.

The new network offers widespread and reliable radio coverage even to the remotest locations in Victoria.

As the network is designed and built using open standards, it enables interoperability and increased coordination between state-wide emergency service and essential services.

The upgraded network also provides enhanced data application capabilities to help support the increasing requirements of information management in the field.

“We are delighted to partner with Telstra in the provision of best-in-class mobile radio solutions across Victoria”, said Dr Peter Baines, Managing Director, Tait (Aust) Pty Ltd. “The successful completion of the network upgrade in record time is testament to Tait’s ability to develop and deliver public safety technologies that support the security and well-being of the community”.

“As the nature of the project was large and complex, our strong project management capabilities and collaborative approach with Telstra enabled us to successfully conduct the network upgrade without impacting existing operations of users. We are now working with Telstra to offer value-added solutions on the new network” added Dr. Baines.

Commenting on the project, Keith Richardson, Telstra’s Director of Strategic Business, said, “As a leader in the managed radio and wireless space, we are always looking to offer better value to our customers and introduce credible alternatives in the market."

"We are truly delighted to partner with innovative organisations such as Tait and are engaged in a long term relationship with them to support the StateNet Mobile Radio network.”

“Telstra has made a significant investment to deliver a truly world class network in Victoria that is reliable, cost-effective, secure and flexible. The network will significantly improve emergency response systems in Victoria and we are committed to the delivery of safer, stronger communities for the long term.”

As part of the StateNet Mobile Radio network upgrade, Telstra will provide support to emergency services organisations and other users in regional and rural Victoria well into the next decade.

The network has built in redundancy and to ensure ongoing availability, network performance is constantly monitored live by Tait technical staff from their global headquarters in New Zealand.

Telstra will also add additional features and functionality that will be provided as part of the new infrastructure.