Vertel announced the successful completion of a major communications network upgrade for Icon Water, replacing the outdated analogue MPT system with a cutting-edge Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) solution based on 3GPP standards, provided by Airbus.

Icon Water, the primary provider of essential water and sewerage services in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), manages a vast infrastructure that includes dams, water and sewage treatment plants, pumping stations, reservoirs, and associated facilities. The upgrade addresses the need for secure, reliable, and modern communication tools for their 24/7 field operations staff, who previously relied on an analogue MPT system that was outdated, unsecure, and nearing decommissioning.

Recognizing the need for a robust and comprehensive communications network, Icon Water initiated a search in mid-2022 for a solution that would encompass:

• A Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) system

• Push-to-talk handsets and accessories

• A 4G/Satellite vehicle connectivity solution

• Vehicle installations

• 4G coverage enhancements in key buildings

• Enterprise Mobility Management and application compatibility

• Ongoing support, training, and documentation

Following a successful proof-of-concept deployment in early 2023, Vertel was selected to design, implement, and manage the network upgrade.

At the heart of this upgraded network is the Airbus Agnet MCx platform, a 3GPP standards-based system hosted within a secure, multi-zoned, and fully redundant data center in Australia. This SaaS-based platform offers 99.99% availability, ensuring that Icon Water's critical communication needs are met with the reliability, flexibility, and security afforded by cloud technology, mobile broadband, and satellite communication.

The Airbus Agnet MCX platform supports the secure transmission of data, video, and voice communications to all relevant stakeholders, enabling seamless individual or group communication via smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The mobile application, compatible with both Android and iOS, includes features such as a web-based dispatcher, end-to-end encryption, emergency calling, remote worker safety functionalities, and advanced location tracking.

To ensure continuous connectivity for Icon Water’s fleet of approximately 100 vehicles, Vertel deployed its Enhanced Mobility Solution. This solution includes high-gain antennas installed on each vehicle, creating extensive Wi-Fi zones that allow access to corporate applications from laptops, tablets, or smartphones, even beyond Icon Water’s operational geography.

In addition, Vertel’s Connectivity Enhancement solution was implemented in critical Icon Water buildings, providing 4G connectivity. Vertel engineers first assessed the existing coverage and then designed and deployed a solution tailored to meet the required bandwidth, latency, and user demands.

Dr. Tony Pollock, Chief Technology Officer of Icon Water, commented on the successful upgrade “Vertel’s deep expertise and broad knowledge allowed us to develop a next-generation network that not only meets the needs of the Canberra region but also ensures compliance with our OH&S policies and procedures.”

Theo Belekas, CEO of Vertel, emphasized the importance of the collaboration: “Our partnership with Airbus was instrumental in meeting the comprehensive requirements set forth by Icon Water. With over 50 years of experience in wireless and fixed network communications, Vertel is proud to be the partner of choice for many government, enterprise, and service provider organizations.”

Alain Ruinet, Vice President of Airbus APAC, added: “We are honored to have partnered with Vertel to upgrade Icon Water’s network to our Agnet MCx broadband platform. Our global expertise in Mission Critical Push-to-Talk over Broadband (MCx) ensures that Icon Water can provide seamless group communications, enhance workplace safety, and leverage multimedia capabilities such as video streaming, file sharing, and messaging, supported by LTE and satellite backhauls.”