Narrowband  |   Broadband  |   Satellite  |  2026-08-06

Australia's NSW SES Bolsters Mission-Critical Connectivity with $7.7 Million Fleet and Network Upgrade

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Investment delivers portable internet kits, high-speed vehicle connectivity and real-time satellite tracking to keep emergency volunteers connected.

The New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is deploying a AU$7.7 million package of critical communications and connectivity upgrades to strengthen frontline coordination during floods, storms and other emergencies across the state. Announced on 3 August 2026 by NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib, the investment forms part of the Minns Labor Government's broader push to keep SES volunteers connected and equipped when disaster strikes.

At the core of the rollout are new Portable Internet Connectivity Kits, giving smaller field teams access to internet, phone and radio services in areas where infrastructure is limited or down. Larger connectivity trailers will extend that capability to support more than 100 users during major incidents, with the ability to be shared across partner agencies to improve interoperability during multi-agency responses.

Eight of the portable kits will be issued to SES drone operators, enabling secure, near real-time transmission of aerial footage directly to Incident Management Teams and the State Control Centre — even when drones are operating in areas with constrained connectivity or damaged communications infrastructure.

To maintain constant contact between incident controllers and field teams, three new forward command vehicles will support on-scene communications and coordination. Designed for agility, the vehicles are intended to reach restricted locations that larger mobile command centres cannot access.

Connectivity is also being upgraded across the wider SES fleet: 230 vehicles will receive faster, high-speed internet to improve access to live operational information, while five new internet connectivity trailers will provide high-capacity connectivity for SES members, partner agencies and affected communities during major floods, storms and other events where networks are overloaded or unavailable.

For the first time, the SES fleet will also gain satellite-based vessel tracking, allowing real-time monitoring of flood rescue and on-water operations to support resource allocation, crew safety and operational decision-making.

The connectivity package includes:

  • AU$1.5 million for Generation 2 internet-enabled forward command vehicles
  • AU$1.4 million for internet connectivity trailers
  • AU$1.3 million for vehicle improvements
  • AU$915,000 for internet connectivity upgrades at SES Units, including Starlink
  • AU$900,000 for internet connectivity kits
  • AU$500,000 for satellite vessel tracking

The investment builds on the recent delivery of 10 new High Clearance Vehicles ahead of the September-to-April storm season, when the frequency of storms, strong winds and heavy rain typically increases. In the last financial year, the SES invested AU$17.5 million to deliver 166 fleet assets, including 63 vehicles, 30 boats and 73 trailers.

 

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

"These connectivity and fleet upgrades delivered across the State are an investment in the safety and resilience of local communities and will support our SES volunteers during challenging emergencies."

"Together, these upgrades will help our SES volunteers respond faster, share information more easily and stay connected when communities need support most."

"This investment is about giving our SES volunteers modern, reliable communication tools to do their job effectively and provides another tool in the toolkit to improve how we communicate during natural disasters."

"As we prepare for the summer, we know our first responders will be called out to a wide range of incidents and this new technology will improve interoperability across our emergency services."

 

NSW SES Deputy Commissioner Damien Johnston added:

"Reliable communications are critical during disasters and when traditional networks fail, our teams must remain connected."

"These upgrades improve situational awareness, coordination and, most importantly, the safety of our members and the communities they serve."

"Flood rescues are high-risk operations, and having near real-time vessel tracking strengthens our response, improves oversight and ensures our crews are supported and accounted for at all times."