Vertel completes major network upgrade for Icon Water in ACT

Vertel has successfully carried out a significant upgrade to the communications network for Icon Water, the water utility company in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The upgrade features the Airbus Agnet MCx, a system based on 3GPP standards, marking its first deployment in Australia.

Icon Water is responsible for supplying essential water and sewage services to the ACT, including dams, water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants, reservoirs, and related infrastructure. Before the upgrade, Icon Water relied on an outdated analogue MPT system for its 24/7 field operations staff. This system, which only supported unsecured voice communications, was nearing the end of its operational life and was slated for decommissioning. While 4G was considered as an alternative, it could not provide comprehensive coverage across all areas of Icon Water’s operations.

In mid-2022, Icon Water issued a call for submissions for a replacement communications network. The requirements included a Mission Critical Push to Talk (MCPTT) system, handsets and accessories, a 4G/Satellite vehicle connectivity solution, vehicle installations, 4G coverage extensions in several buildings, Enterprise Mobility Management, application compatibility, and support, training, and documentation. After a successful proof-of-concept deployment in early 2023, Vertel was selected to design, deliver, and manage the network upgrade.

The new network is anchored by the Airbus Agnet MCx platform, which is hosted in a highly secure, fully redundant Data Centre network in Australia. The system boasts 99.99% availability, leveraging cloud technology, mobile broadband, and satellite communication to meet critical communication needs. The Airbus Agnet MCx can securely transmit and receive data, video, and voice to all stakeholders simultaneously, catering to both individual and group communications through smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Compatible with Android and iOS, the mobile application features a web-based dispatcher, end-to-end encryption, emergency calling, remote and lone worker safety functionalities, advanced location tracking, and other capabilities. "Icon Water's fleet of approximately 100 vehicles was equipped with Vertel’s Enhanced Mobility Solution, ensuring network connectivity within and beyond its operating geography," a company statement confirmed. High-gain antennas installed in the vehicles enable connection to corporate applications using laptops, tablets, or smartphones within an extensive Wi-Fi zone outside the vehicle.

Vertel's engineers validated existing 4G coverage before designing and implementing their Connectivity Enhancement solution in key Icon Water buildings. This solution was tailored to meet the specific bandwidth, latency, and simultaneous user requirements of the facilities.

Dr Tony Pollock, Chief Technology Officer of Icon Water, expressed satisfaction with the upgrade. "Vertel's extensive experience and breadth of knowledge enabled the development of our next-generation network. This ensures we are responsive to the needs of the Canberra region and compliant with our OH&S policies, procedures, and compliance guidelines," Dr Pollock said.

Theo Belekas, CEO of Vertel, credited the partnership with Airbus for the successful implementation. "Our partnership with Airbus was key to delivering the comprehensive list of mandatory requirements outlined in the Icon Water RFQ. Our experience in wireless and fixed network communications over the past 50 years has made us a partner of choice for numerous government, enterprise, and service provider organisations," Belekas stated.

Alain Ruinet, Airbus APAC Vice President, also commented on the accomplishment. "We are proud to have successfully contributed with Vertel to Icon Water’s network upgrade to our broadband platform Agnet MCx. Our expertise in critical communications solutions globally ensures Icon Water can deliver group communications, workplace safety, and multimedia capabilities such as video streaming, file sharing, and messaging anywhere they operate with LTE and Satellite backhauls," Ruinet concluded.