Critical Communications Conference: Brisbane, July 2024
Third on the ARCIA conference circuit is Brisbane! Join us for the QLD Critical Communications Conference and QLD State Networking Dinner on 25 July 2024!
Following a fantastic conference in 2023, we’re headed back to sunny Brisbane in 2024 to deliver industry-related content to the critical communications community.
Book your conference ticket now >>
Join us for the ARCIA Critical Communications Conference and QLD State Networking Dinner on Thursday, 25 July 2024, where the winner of the QLD State Industry Advancement of the Year Award will also be announced. You can make a nomination for this State award via the ARCIA website until July 5, 2024.
The Brisbane conference features a half-day workshop running concurrently with a jam-packed stream of radio and critical communications presentations, closing out with an expert panel.
Numbers are strictly limited due to venue capacity for the conference and the dinner, so book your seats for you and your colleagues ASAP. Discounts apply on all rates for current ARCIA Members. not a member yet? Join ARCIA now>>
Date: Thursday, 25 July 2024
Venue: Rydges, Southbank: 9 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Time: 9:00 am-4:30 pm
Program: Download the agenda>>
Half-day workshop | 9:00 am-12.30 pm
- Private LTE/5G – The Fundamentals of Technology and System Designs
Conference stream | 9:00 am-4:30 pm
- What Is TAK and Why Aren’t We Using It?
- Advancing Interoperability in Emergency Response Communications
- 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
Book your conference ticket now >>
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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Advancing Interoperability in Emergency Response Communications
Presented by: Dr Paul Elmes | Managing Director (Asia-Pacific), Tait Communications
The foremost challenge facing first responders, as it has been for the past five decades, is the issue of interoperability, or more precisely, the lack of interoperability. Interoperability is the ability for different agencies, from different jurisdictions, to exchange voice communication on demand and in real-time – usually to coordinate the response to an accident or natural disaster.
This challenge has been a known issue in Australia since the time of Cyclone Tracy’s devastation of Darwin in 1974. Subsequently, it has been repeatedly cited in inquiries and Royal Commission reports following natural disasters, particularly during the 2019-2020 bushfire season, as a significant impediment to coordinated response efforts.
The transition from analogue to digital technology has brought the adoption of open standard protocols. In Australia and New Zealand, public safety organisations opted for the North American P25 standard, while non-public safety entities turned to the European Digital Mobile Radio (DMR) standard as a more cost-effective alternative to P25. This divergence has led to a diverse array of user groups, including utilities, Local Government Authorities, transportation organisations, and mining operations, embracing DMR technology for their critical communications.
This presentation will explore how the issue of interoperability is being addressed by manufacturers and how recent advances in technology are permitting devices that bridge the interoperability requirements of both P25 and DMR users, who need to exchange voice communication. Such devices are expected to significantly enhance inter-agency and inter-state radio communication, potentially rendering moot the recurrent recommendations for interoperability in the inquiry and commission reports.
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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. |
Matt Franks
Senior Solutions Engineer, Hypha | Matt Franks is a former police officer with the Queensland Police Service, with 14 years of operational service, including 6 years in uniform policing and 8 years in Specialist Operations. During his time in Specialist Operations, Matt was a Sergeant Team Leader of a technical team responsible for the research, development and practical implementation of technical solutions covering voice communications, data connectivity, secure video transmission/distribution and drone operations. His work often supported the investigation of high profile and high-risk policing operations. Matt has undertaken policing operations in several states around Australia, collaborating with both domestic and international law enforcement and intelligence agencies, giving him a true in-depth, operational understanding of the importance of reliable and interoperable communications networks. During his time as a police officer, he has been recognised on a national level for his development work in technical policing and expertise provided in several natural disasters and major policing operations. In early 2023 Matt left the Queensland Police Service to take up a role with Hypha Solutions where he applies his knowledge and expertise gained from policing, combined with his experience as a qualified Auto Electrician in the development of communication and connectivity solutions for Public Safety Agencies. |
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. |
Dr Paul Elmes
Managing Director (Asia-Pacific), Tait Communications | Originally from the UK, Paul emigrated to New Zealand in 2006 where he worked for Tait Communications as a product manager and principal engineer until early 2010. An engineer by training, Paul began his career as a research scientist at the UK’s Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. During this time, Paul completed a doctorate on the development of novel sonar transducers for the Royal Navy. Paul has a broad background of experience across both the public and private sectors, holding senior positions in government departments, educational establishments and commercial enterprises. Paul returned to Tait Communications in 2016 as the Product Line Manager for the P25 portfolio. Most recently, he was the VP of Product Management, responsible for Tait’s global product portfolio. |
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. |
Don’t miss this fantastic Brisbane conference! Book your tickets now >>
**The conference organisers reserve the right to make changes to the agenda at any time and without notice. Please check close to the conference date for the latest agenda.
