Incredible tech hitting streets in NSW to help Aussies during disasters

Incredible new technology to help keep Aussies safe and connected during emergency situations will be rolled out in disaster-ravaged towns from this summer.

The NSW government will have giant orange portable cell towers, called Cells on Wheels (COWs), ready to deploy to bushfire and flood-affected areas, that will allow residents and emergency service workers to stay in touch.

They will provide telecommunications back-up when existing infrastructure is damaged or destroyed in natural disasters.

Communities will be able to connect to the COWs via Wi-Fi, enabling them to make data calls or to connect to the internet.

Additionally, the COWs are able to connect to each other to expand coverage.

As part of a $2 million contract, communications company Pivotel is due to deliver four COWs, which will be available to be sent across the state in a matter of hours.

The technology has never been used in NSW before and will be ready to be rolled out in the event of an emergency this summer.

“Telecommunication networks can be limited, damaged or destroyed during emergencies – at a time when they’re needed most,” Premier Chris Minns said.

“We know this adds to stress, with people unable to connect with family members, or access post-emergency information.

“This technology will help people contact loved ones and stay connected in times of need.”

The COWs will be regular sights during natural disasters and will be used whenever communications infrastructure goes down.

According to the Minns government, it’s delivering on an election promise and the COWs will be part of a suite of technologies aimed at providing telecommunications back-up in emergencies.

As well, Service NSW has rolled out eight Portable Connection Units - small telecommunications devices which fit inside a suitcase - to be used in disaster recovery centres.

They can be accessed by up to 100 devices at a time, allowing people to make contact with loved ones, access documents and make insurance claims.

They will operate even when local networks are down.

The government is also rolling out new technologies to shore up the Public Safety Network in the event of disaster-related outages.

The PSN is used by emergency services during crises and keeps emergency workers connected while they respond to a disaster.

The government is rolling out fire-resistant communications shelters to keep the PSN online and 18 trailer generators to maintain power.

They will also roll out a satellite-equipped truck to keep communities online.

“We already have a reliable radio communications system for first responders, but natural disasters and emergencies can damage this infrastructure,” NSW customer service minister Jihad Dib said.

“The NSW Government has developed innovative technologies, such as the COWs and PCUs, to provide an important backup when traditional networks are down.

“Whether it’s flooding, fires or extreme weather events, these solutions can be rapidly deployed to impacted areas, helping communities stay connected.”