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Public Safety Mobile Broadband

PSMB logo

Purpose

In the context of increasing frequency and intensity of disasters, emergency services need more complex and diverse technologies to save lives and improve the safety of first responders.

The current communication capabilities of public safety agencies including fire, ambulance and police are largely reliant on land mobile radio networks with limited data services. These do not meet the mission-critical standards required.

A national Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) capability will be the most significant uplift in communications capability for Australian public safety agencies in decades. It will provide emergency service personnel with fast, safe and secure voice, video and data communications and near instant access to data, images and information in live situations, emergencies and critical incidents. It will enable real time, data-rich analytics, situational awareness and cross-border communications – for example, between ground crews, aerial assets and incident control centres.

This capability will support the coordination of responses across organisational and geographic boundaries, and enhance Australia’s ability to manage emergencies, hazards and threats, in turn helping to keep Australians safe and mitigate damage to property. 

Government Response to the Public Safety Mobile Broadband Review

The Australian Government is responding to the Public Safety Mobile Broadband (PSMB) Review conducted in 2022 by providing leadership to expedite the delivery of a PSMB capability across all Australian states and territories.

The Australian Government’s response to this Review included investing $10.1 million over the 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years to establish and fund the operations of a Taskforce to take forward the recommendations of the Review and drive the delivery of a national PSMB capability.

This is a critical step in advancing the national PSMB program.

The Government’s response to the Review also includes establishing an Inter-Governmental Agreement and working in partnership with states and territories to ensure public safety agencies are equipped with modern technology and digital connectivity to improve operational preparedness, effectiveness and coordination during disaster events.

The PSMB Taskforce

The PSMB Taskforce commenced operations in August 2023. It is creating the framework to deliver the PSMB.

The Taskforce is led by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and is supported by other Australian Government bodies, including the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA), as well as state and territory government agencies.

To find out more about the Taskforce and the PSMB, watch our video.

Industry Engagement

The PSMB Taskforce has engaged with the telecommunications industry to identify a plan for industry engagement and the pathway to delivering a national PSMB capability. More information for industry organisations can be found on the PSMB Industry Engagement webpage.

Resources