Record numbers in Queensland for ARCIA’s Critical Communications conference and State Networking Dinner.
Not to be outdone by the great turnouts in Perth and Sydney earlier this year, last week’s conference and State Networking dinner in South Brisbane saw record numbers attend both the day-time conference and the evening dinner, which saw the Queensland State Industry Advancement Award winner announced.
The one-day conference proved very popular with the local audience, with representation from public safety to mining, consultants to vendors and everyone in between. Almost 100 delegates packed into the venue, to hear from our line-up of expert speakers on a range of topics including LTE, TAK (Team Awareness Kit), Satellite, Spectrum, Paging, LTE and more. This broad spread of topics gave a good insight into the current state of play in the sector and stimulated discussion between attendees, and the closing panel members, who considered the developing critical communications landscape and the challenges of integrating new technologies with those we are all familiar with.
“It was a great turnout and much bigger than last year, which was great to see. There was a very good atmosphere and the feedback we received on the day and afterwards has been amazing. We need to consider what we run next year, but it may be that we look at running over two days, to pack in more value for those that are able to attend” Paul Davis of ARCIA said.
Queensland State Networking Dinner
The evening saw Brisbane favourite Terry Hansen, comic and breakfast radio host, look after proceedings with his very popular brand of humour that saw him at times wander through the tables, chatting to guests, as he worked the room.
The much-anticipated presentation of the Queensland State Industry Advancement Award wrapped up the night, with Nathan Eberle presented with this year’s award. A very popular choice with guests, Nathan was commended for his commitment to the sector, in particular his work on the Queensland GWN, in his role with Telstra and for being an all-round good bloke to work with.
“Nathan Eberle has made a significant contribution in Queensland to the critical communications domain, with the successful delivery and on-going management of the Queensland Government Wireless Network. From triple zero response to cyclones, bushfires and special events, including the Commonwealth Games, Nathan continues to support Queensland first responders.
Nathan is considered by his peers to be an exceptional member of the industry and a fierce advocate for his customers and the broader community, with further comment made, that working with him is an absolute privilege.”
Congratulations, Nathan! Nathan will automatically be entered into the national ‘Peter Wallace Industry Advancement Award’, against other state winners, to be announced at the ARCIA Gala Dinner in Melbourne on October 16, 2024.
A big thank you to all of our speakers and to our partners— ARCIA can’t deliver these events for the radio and critical communications sector without you.
Join us next in Adelaide on September 11 for the SA State Dinner, where the SA State Industry Advancement Award will be announced. Don’t miss the Melbourne Gala Dinner on October 16, held with Comms Connect. Visit the event listings for more details >>
*Montage Photo Credits: Nathan Moher, Tait Communications
2024 Brisbane Conference Agenda:
Half-day workshop
- Private LTE/5G – The Fundamentals of Technology and System Designs
Conference stream
- What Is TAK and Why Aren’t We Using It?
- Is Paging Really Dead?
- Spectrum for Wireless Broadband – An Update
- Bridging the Connectivity Gap: Starlink and LTE in Industrial Sectors
- Queensland Police Service Radio Communications Maintenance and Enhancement Plan
- The Business of Critical Comms
- Deploying Private LTE Technology in Operational Telecom Networks
- Fire and Rescue NSW — Critical Communications and How Radio Technology Remains Relevant
- Mission Critical Push-To-Talk—Will Land Mobile Radio Ever Go Away?
Expert Panel
- A Developing Critical Communications Landscape: The Challenges and Opportunities that come with New Technology and More Choice
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Brisbane 2024 half-day workshop
Workshop: Private LTE/5G: The Fundamentals of Technology and System Designs
Presented by: Simon Lardner | Head of Wireless Business—Vocus
This course will provide students with the skills to be able to outline the key elements and components of a typical wireless broadband communication system. Students will be able to develop the block diagrams and system elements for designing a basic system and demonstrate the expected requirements and outcomes of such a system, both in basic and extended formats.
On completion, students will be able to understand and identify the various elements associated with system design, including the relevant spectrum sectors that are associated with wireless broadband and understand the potential outcomes that a relevant to all options that are applicable.
The course will cover:
- History of LTE and 5G technology developments
- Private LTE/5G and the mobile market segments.
- The benefits of industrial LTE/5G systems
- Towards the future and 5G and more
- Basic system design & building blocks
- Public safety applications of LTE/5G
Brisbane 2024 conference stream
What is TAK and Why Aren’t We Using It?
Presented by: Neil Jamieson | Group CEO, Hypha and Matt Franks | Senior Solutions Engineer, Hypha
TAK, short for Tactical Assault Kit, is a software application primarily utilised by military and law enforcement agencies for enhanced situational awareness and mission planning.
TAK provides users with tools for communication, collaboration, and decision-making in dynamic and often high-pressure operational environments. It integrates various data sources such as maps, imagery, video streaming, GPS tracking and tactical information into a single, user-friendly interface.
The versatility of TAK extends beyond traditional military operations, with applications in response to natural disasters, search and rescue, law enforcement and broader public safety. Its ability to integrate with existing hardware and software systems makes it adaptable to a wide range of scenarios and operational needs, improving the effectiveness and safety of mission-critical operations.
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Spectrum for Wireless Broadband – An Update
Presented by: Andrew May | Executive Manager, Spectrum Engineering
An update on ACMA’s progress in the “3 GHz” band, where services are licensed under the new AWL type – i.e. “Area Wide Licence”. ACMA have already granted AWLs in remote parts of Australia, and are now processing applications received in the recent metro-rural licensing window.
How do you “register” services in your AWL spectrum? Will more AWL spectrum be available in the future?
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Bridging the Connectivity Gap: Starlink and LTE in Industrial Sectors
Presented by: Mark Lewis | QLD Operations Manager and Principal Consultant, Titan ICT, and Daniel Breakell | ICT Business Consultant, Titan ICT
In this presentation, Daniel and Mark will delve into the feasibility of Starlink for use in industrial applications. They will provide a comprehensive introduction to both technologies, highlighting their key features and architectures. The discussion will then move on to a detailed comparison of their performance metrics, including coverage, reachability, bandwidth, and latency, as well as a cost analysis comparing the expenditures and benefits of deploying Starlink and private LTE networks.
They will present real-world use cases and applications, and discuss Starlink’s potential, both as a primary solution or to bolster existing networks and provide redundancy.
The presentation will conclude with strategic recommendations for adopting Starlink, considering operational needs, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory landscapes.
Join Daniel and Mark to explore how Starlink can be leveraged in industrial sectors for innovative connectivity solutions.
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Queensland Police Service Radio Communications Maintenance and Enhancement Plan
Presented by: Garry Kerr | A/Director Frontline Communications & Response Frontline & Digital Division Strategy and Corporate Services Command, Queensland Police Service
Radio communication for dispatch and co-ordination is essential to deliver on the Qld Police vision of “Queensland-the Safest State”. Radio is considered a foundation capability for Qld Police and is the first line of communication in day-to-day operations. Frontline officers rely on radio communications to be delivered 24/7 in all weather conditions and in all environments. To achieve this, Qld Police leverages the Qld Government Wireless Network (GWN) for South East Queensland. For Greater Queensland outside of SEQ, the Radio Communications Maintenance and Enhancement Plan targets how the Qld Police Service will manage and maintain its radio networks, while simultaneously leveraging security and roaming enhancements, and black spot reduction.
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Fire and Rescue NSW — Critical Communications and How Radio Technology Remains Relevant
Presented by: Richard Gibb| Systems Officer, Operational Communications, Fire and Rescue NSW
Fire & Rescue NSW are the fourth largest fire service globally, covering 800 000 sq km and attending in excess of 250 000 calls annually.
Fire & Rescue NSW are one of the largest providers of rescue services globally, supporting 80 General Land Rescue stations and an Internationally deployable Urban Search & Rescue capability. Further, Fire & Rescue NSW is now operating in support of off-shore marine HAZMAT operations in support of AMSA.
This session will explore how FRNSW currently utilise their existing radio technologies to work in multiple domains outside of traditional firefighting, and the technological gaps that remain to make radios a ubiquitous communications path in all situations.
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The Business of Critical Comms
Presented by: Luke Marchant | General Manager, Government Centre of Excellence (CEO), Telstra Defence and Public Sector
In this session, Luke will cover three main items:
- Progress update on the Tasmanian GRN deployment.
- Deployable Cell on Wings (CoW) for LMR and Cellular coverage – exploring how Telstra is collaborating with customers to develop the next generation of smaller CoW’s.
- The opening of Telstra’s Public Safety Experience Centre on the Gold Coast, featuring discussions on:
- Deployable drone for cellular coverage and AI.
- IWF capability
- MC-PTT and MC-Push to video
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Deploying Private LTE Technology in Operational Telecom Networks
Presented by: Vishal Kohli | LTE/5G Specialist, Commtel Network Solutions
Private LTE networks have gained momentum in Australia, especially in the Mining & Oil and Gas sectors. They can not only improve safety and operational efficiency, but also act as an enabler for Industry 5.0 and IIoT applications.
This case study looks at the deployment of Private LTE in Oil and Gas environments, which cover large areas, and various aspects, such as high availability systems, distributed architecture, and radio redundancy for IIoT and LoRA applications.
The session will provide insight into the future of Private LTE/ 5G and its application, key spectrum takeaways, as well as the added operational benefits of an LTE system, which were previously restricted to carriers.
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Mission Critical Push-To-Talk—Will Land Mobile Radio ever go away?
Presented by: Lee Mason | Account Manager ANZ – Public Safety & Professional Communications, L3 Harris
The future of Land Mobile Radio (LMR) is a topic of ongoing debate. Will cellular Push-To-Talk (PTT) solutions like 3GPP MCPTT eventually replace LMR, opinions remain diverse.
It is crucial to carefully consider the interworking of Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) between Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LMR systems. Undoubtedly, Project 25 (P25) remains a significant benchmark for evaluating alternatives in the North American public safety communication.
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EXPERT PANEL: A Developing Critical Communications Landscape: The Challenges and Opportunities that come with New Technology and More Choice
Moderated by: Chris Stevens | Managing Director, CartGIS Pty Ltd
Panellists: Garry Kerr, Richard Gibb, Neil Jamieson, Luke Marchant and Daniel Breakell
As we’ve heard today from our experts, when it comes to delivering professional communications solutions for your customers, your organisations and your colleagues, there has never been more choice. In determining the right fit for your use case, there are many factors that must be considered, including cost, delivery time and performance, along with priorities in terms of end user needs.
During this session, our expert panel will consider the current and developing critical communications landscape and how a growing list of available solutions creates opportunities, but also presents challenges.
Conference Chair
Chris Stevens
Managing Director, CartGIS | Chris Stevens is Managing Director of CartGIS Pty Ltd, an emergency management, GIS and mapping and communications consultancy company based in Melbourne. Chris has extensive experience in LMR network design, planning and implementation as well as GIS and mapping application design and commissioning. CartGIS Pty Ltd also specialises in bespoke training and education for the critical communication community. Chris has extensive qualifications and experience in secondary, tertiary and workplace training and education, which, coupled with his communication experience, delivers industry and client focused outcomes. Chris is also Co-Vice President of ARCIA and Sub-committee convenor of training and education for ARCIA. |
Presenter Biographies
Andrew May
Executive Manager, Spectrum Engineering Australia | Andrew is the Executive Manager of Spectrum Engineering Australia and has been with Spectrum Engineering for 19 years. During this time he has amassed a broad and intimate working knowledge of the regulatory environment and the coordination and licensing requirements for radio services in Australia. He now leads a team of professional engineers who provide licensing solutions to all sectors of the radio industry including the major carriers, government and the private sector. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Computer Engineering with First Class Honours from the University of Wollongong. He holds accreditation under the Australian Communications and Media Authority to issue Frequency Assignment Certificates and Interference Impact Certificates and holds Approved Radio Certifier (ARC) status under New Zealand’s Radio Spectrum Management (RSM) branch. |
Daniel Breakell
ICT Business Consultant, Titan ICT | Daniel Breakell is a distinguished ICT Business Consultant with extensive experience in communication technologies, technical diagnostics, and process management. Currently at Titan ICT, where he leads transformative projects that integrate advanced AI and Automation technologies into business operations, enhancing efficiency and driving growth. Daniel’s background includes significant experience in the UK space engineering sector, high-precision metrology, manufacturing, and quality assurance. |
Garry Kerr
A/Director Frontline Communications & Response Frontline & Digital Division Strategy and Corporate Services Command, Queensland Police Service | Garry Kerr has gained 44 years’ experience in radio communications across both the private and the public sectors in Queensland. Since joining the Department of Emergency Services in 2003, Garry has managed radio communication services and solutions for the Public Safety Agencies: Queensland Police Service, Queensland Fire & Emergency Services, and Queensland Ambulance Service. The knowledge and experience gained has formed the basis of Garry’s strategic operational planning to support and resource a future state environment. Since July 2022, Garry has performed the role of Director Frontline Communications & Response, Qld Police Service. In this role, Garry manages teams of administrative and technical officers across the State providing delivery, service, and support of critical radio communications infrastructure, triple zero and general purpose telephony services, and specialist electronic systems. |
Lee Mason
Lee Mason, Account Manager ANZ – Public Safety & Professional Communications, L3 Harris | Lee holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), is a Veteran and a senior business leader with proven experience in the Defence, Government, Public Safety and technology industries. Privileged to work for global technology leaders such as L3Harris Technologies, Raytheon, and Downer Group, Lee has also consulted to the Commonwealth of Australia, Army Headquarters LandC4 Directorate, and the Australian Antarctic Division ICT Capability Management team. Lee is passionate about unlocking Australia’s technological competitive advantage and delivering customer value. |
Luke Marchant
General Manager – Government Centre of Excellence (CoE), Telstra Defence and Public Sector | Telstra’s Defence and Public Sector team manages Government customers across Federal, State, and Local as well as the Not-for-Profit sector in Australia. Luke is privileged to lead the CoE which is responsible for building Telstra’s go-to-market offers and solutions for procurement panels. The CoE is also continually working with the Government to drive innovation which helps transform how they service their citizens. In the last 12 months, the CoE has been focusing on technology trends like Cyber Services and connectivity for operational technology environments. Luke’s career highlights include working on programs that have significantly lifted bandwidth per student ratios within Public Schools and Frontline Officer enablement for Police and Ambulance. Luke is passionate about digital inclusion and has represented Telstra in Federal initiatives such as Mobile Blackspot and Regional Connectivity Programs—these engagements have led to improved connectivity in regional areas across Australia. Luke graduated from Griffith University in Brisbane, before completing further postgraduate studies at Kingston University, London. Luke has also completed Micro-Credentials in Intrapreneurship and Product Management within the last 12 months. |
Mark Lewis
QLD Operations Manager and Principal Consultant, Titan ICT | Mark Lewis is a seasoned telecommunications expert with over 25 years of experience in telecommunication systems. Currently, he serves as the QLD Operations Manager and Principal Consultant at Titan ICT, where he oversees major projects and drives innovation in telecommunication technologies, focusing on LTE, WiMax, and WiFi Mesh systems. Mark’s extensive background includes international management roles where he led the deployment of LTE networks and EPC systems for major vendors and Tier 1 operators worldwide. His technical expertise spans across cell and transmission planning, network optimisation, and performance management. His career is marked by significant contributions to projects for leading companies such as Arrow Energy, BHP, Optus, and Vodafone, where he has demonstrated exceptional skills in project management, technical diagnostics, and strategic business planning. |
Brad Welch
General Manager, TPL Systems Asia-Pacific | Starting as an Apprentice Radio Technician in Mt Isa, Brad has over 30 years’ experience in the critical communications industry including over 25 years’ experience in Critical Messaging. This experience has seen him working for companies such as Hutchison Telecoms (now Vodafone Messaging), Selective Communications in New Zealand, WiPath Communications Australia and now TPL Systems Asia-Pacific. Brad has been heavily involved with providing critical response solutions and support in the Emergency Services and Healthcare markets. Brad’s strength is listening to the customer and their requirements, using his experience to provide the most suitable outcomes to shorten critical response times and maximise the customer experience. |
Neil Jamieson
Group CEO, Hypha | Neil has been involved with exploring Satellite communications and applications for over 20 years with a specific interest in the Public Safety Sector. As a founder, and the Group CEO of Hypha Ltd. Neil has been at the forefront of Satellite applications in the Public Safety sector in Australia. From simple PTT applications to driving Big Data solutions with new LEO constellations, it has been his mission to explore non-traditional options to solve some of our unique communications challenges in Australia. |
Richard Gibb
Systems Officer, Operational Communications, Fire and Rescue NSW | Richard’s career with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) spans more than 15 years. During his career, Richard has worked in a variety of roles including as a Firefighter and Station Officer in fire stations across the Greater Sydney Area. He holds certification as a general land primary rescue operator and in water rescue technician. Richard also holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in accounting from Macquarie University. In his current position as the Systems Officer within Operational Communications, he is responsible for the implementation and ongoing operational management of all wireless systems used by operational firefighters. |
Simon Lardner
Head of Wireless Business, Vocus | Simon is the Head of Wireless Business — Vocus at Vocus/Challenge Networks, a telecommunications system integrator specialising in the design, build and management of small-scale carrier networks around the world. More recently, Challenge has become a world leader in the deployment of private LTE networks for the resources sector. Simon has over 27 years of international experience in the telecommunications industry specialising in mobile network design and implementation. |
Vishal Kohli
LTE/5G Specialist, Commtel Network Solutions | Vishal Kohli is LTE/5G Specialist at CommTel Network Solutions, a company that specialises in providing solutions, products and professional services for mission and business critical networks. Vishal has extensive experience in designing, engineering and commissioning business critical and mission critical systems as well as carrier markets across APAC. He has experience in planning, designing, deploying, and operating networks with a wide range of technologies over time from GSM to 5G. |
