The Public Safety Network (PSN) is the new communications service for New Zealand's frontline emergency services responders being rolled out from mid-2023. Existing analog radio networks are being replaced with a single nationwide secure digital radio service using Project 25 (25) Phase 2 standards-based technology. The nationwide network also includes multi-network priority cellular broadband capability, including voice, video, messaging and data, in urban, state highway and rural areas commonly accessed by frontline emergency services. Secure digital radio will provide voice and messaging services in many areas where cellular service is not available.

Key Takeaways:
• Details about the governance board and New Generation Critical Communications (NGCC), a unique cross-agency entity involving a core government agency (Police), a crown entity (Fire and Emergency New Zealand) and two non-governmental organizations (Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance), which together form the Emergency Services.
• The latest developments in the buildout and coverage plans for the US$866 million 10-year project, which includes more than 450 sites and difficult terrain.
• How the P25 Phase 2 network will work in tandem with multiple cellular priority services and the latest developments of the cellular service rollouts.
• More about the interoperability, encryption, and communications advancements the PSN will bring to the 5 million New Zealand residents and 3.8 million annual tourists.