The Tasmanian Government Radio Network (TasGRN) is set to commence operations in August, serving its initial users in four agencies. Felix Ellis, the Emergency Services Minister, revealed that the network will enhance interoperability, expand coverage, and provide secure and encrypted communications for emergency service workers. Additionally, it will offer a modern user interface. The construction contract for the network was awarded to Telstra and Motorola Systems in August 2020. However, the project’s cost has exceeded initial estimates, with the government spending $763 million compared to the anticipated $567 million announced in December 2020. A parliamentary committee had estimated the cost to be around $400 million in September 2020. The first organizations to utilize the network will be Hydro Tasmania, TasNetworks, Parks and Wildlife, and Sustainable Timber Tasmania, followed by police, fire, and emergency services agencies. Minister Ellis also highlighted that the implementation of TasGRN will bring improved mobile phone coverage for Telstra users in Tasmania, particularly in regional areas, without any additional cost to the state. TasGRN will replace the existing five separate networks with a P25-compliant digital network.
Tasmanian government agencies will begin using the new government radio network in August
