Telstra recently conducted a simulation of emergency mobile device roaming, in collaboration with other telecommunications companies, although they were not directly involved in the test. This initiative stems from Telstra’s ongoing efforts, alongside the government, TPG Telecom, and Optus, to develop a temporary disaster roaming (TDR) solution since March of the previous year.
In response to a call from the ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission), Telstra announced its intention to trial TDR in November. The simulation took place at a 5G innovation center on the Gold Coast. Telstra described the process, starting with a device on a simulated network experiencing a disaster scenario, and then activating the temporary disaster roaming functionality, enabling the device to connect to Telstra’s network.
According to a Telstra spokesperson, the TDR solution was collaboratively developed with input from other carriers. They emphasized the collaborative nature of the endeavor and expressed intentions to share the results with other carriers and government stakeholders.
The simulation focused on testing the ability of the Telstra 4G network to recognize and accept the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) code broadcast by affected devices. However, implementing temporary roaming involves complexities, including the need for unique network codes for disaster-impacted sites and prior agreements between carriers.
The negotiation of protocols for enabling TDR networks at affected sites remains ongoing between carriers and the government. While the simulation successfully tested the roaming functionality, further work is required to predict and manage impacts on live networks. Telstra plans to collaborate with other carriers in this regard.
Channa Seneviratne, Executive of Network Technology Development and Solutions, described the simulation as a critical first step in demonstrating the feasibility of temporary disaster roaming. Telstra reaffirmed its commitment to working with other network providers and the government to explore implementation feasibility and develop an industry-wide solution.
