MEDIA RELEASE - Vodafone has this week 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 - highlighting Vodafone’s commitment to investing in coverage solutions that cater to New Zealand’s diverse terrains.

The solutions showcased help first response teams rapidly establish 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.

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.

Tony Baird, Vodafone Technology Director, said “Although we’re able to provide network coverage to more than 98% of the population where they live, work and play, there are some remote locations our mobile network just can’t reach due to the ruggedness of parts of New Zealand’s landscape and our low population density.

“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. 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.”

The Nokia Network in a Box system comes in three sizes to fit operational needs. The smallest of the three – weighing only 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. It also has locally integrated push-to-talk/group communication capabilities which can integrate with the network-wide Vodafone Digital Radio solution. This enables services like location tracking, video streaming over the public safety network, push-to-talk, situational awareness and group messaging.

Also demonstrated was the Vodafone Z-Car. Equipped with a low profile satellite antenna on the roof and a 4G unit in the boot, the Z-Car provides first responders with 4G coverage on the move – no matter what their location. Able to travel to any location that can be reached by 4-wheel drive, the Z-car can provide 4G connectivity for anyone with a Vodafone 4G device within a coverage radius of up to two-kilometres.

Tony added, “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. 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.

Ray Owen, Head of Singapore, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, Nokia Networks, said “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.”