Vodafone NZ demonstrates emergency network options

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Ian Hooker. Vodafone’s Core Design and Delivery Manager, during the civil defence simulation.

Vodafone has demonstrated its portfolio of emergency network options for remote, zero-coverage areas, as part of a live civil defence simulation for customers and the emergency services.

Running over Vodafone’s mobile network, a portable system known as the Nokia Network in a Box was demonstrated, along with the Vodafone Z-Car, a prototype 4G mobile cell site in a vehicle, which is operational as soon as it is switched on and even when on-the-move.

The demonstration showed help first response teams rapidly establishing 4G connectivity within minutes of arriving on-site, to provide temporary remote coverage in disaster recovery operations, emergency responses, tactical situations, or at special events.

“When responding to an emergency situation in a remote or isolated area, the Nokia Network in a Box and Vodafone Z-Car solutions provide a new level of support for the teams who attend these incidents,” says Tony Board, Vodafone NZ technology director.

“In an emergency where every second can count, speed is of the essence. The Nokia Network in a Box can be set-up anywhere, at anytime, and can be operational within around 15-minutes, while the Vodafone Z-Car is operational as soon as it is switched on.”

“These technologies will help ensure that our emergency services can remain connected not only via voice calls, but by being able to access video and high speed data while in the field,” says Baird. “It is another demonstration of our commitment to supporting our emergency responders and helps expand the solutions we have available as part of our Vodafone Instant Network Programme.”

Nokia Network in a Box and Vodafone Z-Car have the ability to work together to provide a wider coverage footprint, or in isolation.

In an emergency where every second can count, speed is of the essence

Tony Baird, Vodafone NZ

Ray Owen, head of Singapore, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, Nokia Networks, says, “We are thrilled to have worked alongside Vodafone New Zealand to demonstrate the integration of emergency services radio with 4G. The solution we’ve showcased is one of the world’s first deployments of a miniaturised 4G network in an emergency-type scenario.

”Having voice and data services in areas with limited or no network coverage is a critical requirement for first responders. The Nokia Network in a Box offers standard authorised IP connectivity and can provide complete network coverage through the Vodafone network for the emergency services in minutes.”

The Nokia Network in a Box system comes in three sizes to fit operational needs. The smallest of the three – weighing about 25 kg – fits in a car, whilst the larger option is mounted to a small trailer. Nokia Network in a Box’s Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) capability enables agile and flexible integration of third-party applications at the edge of the network.