New partnership to drive critical connectivity broadband adoption in New Zealand
Broadtech Limited and Airbus Defence and Space signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today, 14 October, at Comms Connect in Melbourne - the premier critical communications event in the region, bringing together public safety leaders, network operators, and technology suppliers from across Australasia.
Broadtech has provided critical technology solutions for over 50 years and is a member of the Tū Ātea Group, a 100% Māori-owned telecommunications, IT, broadcast and health technology organisation with over 150 employees. Tū Ātea exists to ensure spectrum assets and technology capability deliver lasting value for Māori, communities, industry, and Aotearoa New Zealand.
The agreement focuses on supporting New Zealand’s transition from legacy narrowband to broadband mission-critical services (MCX).
Joint activities will cover:
● Public safety agencies (police, fire, and ambulance)
● Government radio network operators
● Mobile network operators
New Zealand’s critical communications ecosystem is advancing rapidly, driven by national priority broadband initiatives such as Hourua - a joint venture between mobile network operators Spark and One NZ to deliver prioritised mobile connectivity for emergency services and mission-critical entities. The MoU enables a partnership that combines Broadtech’s mission-critical infrastructure expertise and deep regional knowledge, with the Airbus portfolio of proven critical communications solutions.
Over the next twelve months, both teams will progress targeted business opportunities paving the way towards a long-term partnership to support next generation critical technology solutions across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Alain Ruinet, Head of APAC Sales & Programme Delivery, Public Safety and Security at Airbus Defence Space said: “Working alongside Broadtech is the first step to bring Airbus’ longstanding industry experience and proven critical communications solutions to New Zealand. We’ll explore how we can support their national priority to build and modernise a network that keeps emergency services communicating in a crisis. We’ll also explore ways to deliver critical infrastructure solutions to sectors including utilities, healthcare, and transport. As we have in other regions, with the right local partner we could offer New Zealand solutions like Agnet, Airbus’ collaboration platform that is already supporting the digital transformation of mission-critical organisations worldwide”.
Merv Taylor, CEO of Broadtech said “This exciting partnership can unlock stronger, more resilient mission-critical communications solutions across the motu by bringing proven global capability together with strong local infrastructure expertise”.