Telstra lands QLD public safety wireless network

Telstra will build, operate and maintain Queensland's Government Wireless Network under a 15-year deal worth $457.3 million.

New radio network to provide better emergency response times and coordination.

The telco was one of three shortlisted for the project in December last year and invited to bid for the work.

The project is for a digital radio voice and narrowband data communications network for public safety agencies in the state.

The network will initially be rolled out to Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns to facilitate secure communications at the G20 leaders' summit in Queensland slated for November 2014.

The state government has stumped up an initial $56.7 million to get the GWN project underway.

The network is expected to be rolled into the state's south-east in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The state is "obligated to provide encrypted digital data capability" for the Games, according to an interim state audit report. (pdf)

About 90 percent of the existing Queensland Government radio network is formed by two separate analog radio networks run by Queensland Police Service and the Department of Community Safety, the report states.

Motorola Solutions is listed as a "major subcontractor" to Telstra. A spokesperson for the equipment maker confirmed its involvement.

Minister for Police and Community Safety Jack Dempsey said in a statement public safety agencies would benefit from "clearer radio communication and better coverage at key public locations".

It would also provide better interconnectivity between agencies, reduce response times and improve officer safety, Dempsey said.