In July 2023, Next Generation Critical Communications launched the New Zealand’s Public Safety Network (PSN), with the introduction of Cellular Roaming for emergency services.
This multi-network cellular roaming service is a game-changer for first responder communications, with seamless transitions between New Zealand’s Spark and One NZ networks when sharing voice, data, video, and images. New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance can now roam both networks, with access to real-time information and reliable communication channels when it matters most.
The Cellular Roaming service is a key component of the PSN, which will ultimately bring together digital land mobile radio, cellular services, and personal alerting for modern, secure and resilient critical communications. This is the most significant investment in New Zealand’s public safety communications infrastructure in decades.
The success of this initiative was made possible through the establishment of Hourua Limited – a joint venture between Spark and One NZ.
Next Generation Critical Communications Director Steve Ferguson will share his insights on the New Zealand Government’s PSN journey and delivery of the cellular roaming service.
Joining him, Vaughan Matthews (Head of Business & GM, Hourua) will talk about the joint venture between One NZ and Spark. He will shed light on the vendor perspective, and how two competing telecommunications companies have collaborated to help Next Generation Critical Communications safeguard New Zealand’s first responders.