The Telecommunications Authority (Telco Authority) is responsible for the development of a sector-wide policy framework for operational radio and related communications in consultation with affected agencies, including spectrum acquisition and allocation.  

The Authority is developing a whole of government radio communications strategy. The strategy will set out the key operating models, principles and actions required to improve service delivery to frontline emergency and public safety workers, rationalise government radio communications assets and deliver value to the NSW Government from 2015 to 2025.

To ensure agency activities in the sector align with these goals, agencies must consult with the Telco Authority on all proposals for the development of new or additional radio communications infrastructure.

Where a proposal involves significant expenditure, it will be considered under the coordinated planning arrangements established for the sector, with Telco Authority approval required before they can be considered by the Expenditure Review Committee. Telco Authority approval will also be required for

• any significant expenditure (over $500,000) on new radio communications assets and commercial services, and/or
• for new sites or new towers on a site, regardless of cost,

This requirement does not apply to immediate requirements that would impede the execution of a current or imminent operation by law enforcement and emergency services agencies.

Proposals will need to meet the investment principles of the NSW Government ICT Investment Policy and Guidelines, particularly by:

• complying with whole of government procurement policies and directions
• considering a service orientation, including ‘as a service’ sourcing models
• demonstrating standardisation and interoperability of technologies and solutions
• demonstrating better value to government and citizens over the life of the investment.

Agencies are required to use existing shared Government radio services and facilities, if available.  To this end, the Telco Authority and NSW Police will continue to integrate the police network with the GRN, including consolidating the networks within the Government Radio Network (GRN) footprint.  The Telco Authority may exempt an agency from this requirement if the agency demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Authority that existing services and facilities do not meet their business requirements or are not cost efficient at a whole of Government level.

Where the Telco Authority establishes a product catalogue for a particular category of infrastructure or equipment under Panel Contract ITS 2573– Operational Telecommunications Services, Equipment and Infrastructure, agencies must procure goods and services off that catalogue unless exempted by the Telco Authority.

Agencies are required to comply with any technical standard or policy issued by the Telco Authority for the procurement and use of radiocommunications infrastructure, equipment, services and spectrum unless exempted. The Telco Authority will consult with agencies prior to the release any such standard or policy.

To ensure appropriate allocation of spectrum, all negotiations with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in relation to radio frequency allocation on behalf of any NSW Government agency will be carried out by the Telco Authority, in consultation with the relevant agencies as appropriate. Agencies are not permitted to approach ACMA directly on spectrum and related matters.

These requirements apply to all NSW Government agencies.  State owned corporations are encouraged to comply.