Department of Sustainability & Environment

Communications Network overview

 

DSE uses three main radio networks for its ground and aircraft communications, including Trunking radio the Tesltra StateNet Mobile Radio (also known as SMR or GRN on 164MHz), plus two conventional two-way networks; Incident Channel Network (164MHz) and the Fire Contingency Network.(164 MHz)

Trunk Radio System – Tesltra StateNet Mobile Radio (SMR) [164.0875MHz to 163.3625MHz]
DSE uses the Trunk Radio System for all day-to-day radio communications and for some command communications during fire suppression operations. Telstra owns and maintains this radio system which is also shared by other Government and private bodies (including the CFA). Telstra and DSE are working to further develop the system to better provide a service for the fire fighting requirements both of DSE and the CFA.

Conventional Radio Channels  - The “DSE IC” Channels and some Talk-Around
Conventional radio channels are used for basic 'two way radio' operation, where channels are allocated to a variety of uses. Some channels are allocated to the 'Incident Channel Network', whilst others are allocated for internal and inter-organisational communications.

Fire Contingency Network – The “DSE Port Philip, North East, North West, Gippsland Region” Simplex channels
This network is a complex of remote repeaters and operates on DSE's regional 'simplex' channel. This 'network' provides a strategic command network in the event of major outages of telephone, Trunk and Incident Channel Networks.

 

©2004 COPYRIGHT The Australian Scanning Encyclopedia, VicNews Ltd, and Ashley Geelan.

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This Page Last Updated: January 14, 2004

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