Improvements to ALPS and installation of smart phones

Work on improvements to ALPS and installation of smart phones in trucks has started.

In May, we advised that Mobile network providers in New Zealand and around the world are shutting down 3G networks(external link)(external link) to make way for faster and more power efficient 4G and 5G technology. For Fire and Emergency, this meant that we need to replace our Appliance Location and Positioning System (ALPS) units and replace the fixed phones installed into many of our appliances with smartphones. 

Our supplier, One NZ has now started this work. This work involves 950 vehicles and One NZ is using a team of installers from around the country to install the equipment as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Group Managers and Volunteer Support Officers will be contacted by the installers to confirm with their brigades a day for the installations. They should be given at least a week's notice. The trucks do not have to be taken off the road; the installer will work with the brigade/ComCen to keep the truck available, but some trucks may be on a delayed turnout. This delay will be kept to a minimum where possible.

For more information on the rollout and Qs and As, please go the Portal project page.