THE CONNECTIVITY INNOVATION NETWORK IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
The Connectivity Innovation Network acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As we conclude our third full year of operation at the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN), we would like to take a moment to thank all those who have contributed to our collaborative achievements.
CIN is first and foremost a network of collaboration between the NSW Government, industry and academia. Our primary focus has been innovating to improve access, reliability and resilience of connectivity, as well as data sharing when commercial solutions are not available. In 2022, we ran several problem statement workshops to fully understand the challenges facing NSW frontline service organisations and some communities severely impacted by natural disasters. Following this, we began to explore novel forms of rapidly
deployable connectivity and get into the details of what underpins the resilience of telecommunication networks, particularly in emergency situations. We also looked at novel ways to make the network itself a sensor in emergencies.
CIN has undertaken several marquee projects in data sharing, energy resilience and cyber security. Whilst the secure multi-organisation data-sharing platform (SMODS) was the hit of 2023, the standout for 2024 was, without a doubt, the rapidly deployable, large-area Wi-Fi system (LAWIFI).
Our LAWIFI in-field demonstrations have shown the feasibility of extending high-speed connectivity to remote and underserved areas. The rapidly deployable nature also makes the solution well suited to emergency situations. Field demonstrations in the Royal National Park and Wagga Wagga have highlighted not only that it can be done, but the potential impact of providing reliable high-speed internet access to all corners of New South Wales and beyond. We also garnered success nationally; the whole LAWIFI system won a Merit Award in the Technology Platform category at the National 2024 iAwards.
In 2023, our regional workshop was held in Lismore where we explored the devastating impact of floods and how community members, emergency services and infrastructure providers responded over different timeframes. We explored their
communications needs and the technologies available. In 2024, our regional workshop moved to Wagga and marked another significant event uniting local industry and research partners, industry leaders from Telstra, Optus and TPG, first responders and everyday people to describe and discuss the complexities of living in the modern age with lessthan-perfect connectivity. The workshop facilitated valuable discussions and collaborations, helping us address the connectivity challenges faced by people in regional and remote communities.
As we look ahead to 2025, we remain dedicated to exploring new possibilities and leveraging our collective expertise to create a fully connected and inclusive future for all. We will continue to foster close collaboration between academia, industry and governments. We will keep creating cutting-
edge technologies in connectivity to improve government services and community well-being. We have also set our sights on becoming a thought leader in connectivity innovation—nationally and internationally—and serving as a trusted advisor to the NSW Government on connectivity technologies and policies.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our efforts this year. Together, we are making a difference.
Our vision is to enhance Australia’s connectivity for emergency and government services, as well as communities, by leveraging expertise from academia, industry and government to drive technological innovation.
Our mission is to solve connectivity challenges and bridge the digital divide to deliver improved outcomes for the people of New South Wales.
connectivity We are on a mission: for the people of
Ubiquitous connectivity advances digital inclusion for all, ensuring no individual, community or business is left behind. Established in late 2021 by the NSW Telco Authority in consultation with the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist and Engineer, the Connectivity Innovation Network’s mission is unequivocal: to drive collaboration and innovation to transform connectivity across New South Wales and beyond.
This inaugural progress report is a vibrant showcase of our aspirations and achievements to date as we work together to deliver tangible, meaningful impact. Over the past three years, CIN has tackled some of the state’s most critical connectivity challenges, particularly in regional and remote areas where the digital divide is greatest. We have fostered robust partnerships across academia, industry and government, becoming a powerful catalyst for transformative solutions that strengthen connectivity resilience and infrastructure.
Beyond a celebration of our milestones and a reflection on what we’ve learned, this report is a roadmap for the continuous evolution of connectivity solutions to genuinely improve people’s lives, every day. We’re working tirelessly to realise a bold collective vision for the future—one in which digital connectivity equity supports communities to thrive.
The Connectivity Innovation Network is dedicated to advancing connectivity innovation, fostering collaboration and providing trusted advice to government stakeholders. Our strategy is guided by four core objectives:
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Foster collaboration:
We unite communities to co-create solutions through inclusive workshops, targeted engagement and alignment with government priorities.
By nurturing partnerships with innovation networks and supporting collaborative projects, we deliver real-world benefits for regional communities and underserved areas.
Drive connectivity innovation:
CIN leads innovative projects that combine advanced research with practical solutions designed to meet user needs. We prioritise commercialisation, impactful outcomes and strategic funding to transform ideas into deployable, scalable and sustainable technologies.
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Lead in connectivity thought leadership:
By hosting symposia, publishing thought leadership and engaging global leaders, CIN influences connectivity innovation. Our insights shape policy and drive forwardthinking decisions, ensuring a connected, inclusive and resilient future.
Be a trusted government advisor:
CIN provides trusted advice by identifying opportunities for positive policy change and engaging in strategic planning with government agencies. Through secure testing environments and an expanded support network, we build confidence in sustainable, resilient emerging technologies.
Director
Dr Ian Oppermann is a renowned leader in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector with nearly 30 years of experience in senior management roles across Europe and Australia. He has served as Director for Radio Access Performance at Nokia, Global Head of Sales Partnering (Network Software) at Nokia Siemens Networks and Divisional Chief and Flagship Director at CSIRO.
From 2015 to 2023, Ian was the NSW Government’s Chief Data Scientist, where he chaired the NSW Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee and led the development of the world’s first AI Assurance Framework, setting a global standard for ethical AI in government projects.
A highly cited researcher and Digital Economy thought leader, Ian has contributed to six books and authored over 120 research papers, cited more than 4,000 times. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Australia, IEEE, the Royal Society of NSW, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Australian Computer Society, where he also served as President. Ian is President of the Australian National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Australia’s JTC1 Strategic Advisory Committee.
Ian is an Associate Industry Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and IT at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He holds a PhD in Mobile Telecommunications from the University of Sydney and an MBA from the University of London.
At CIN’s heart is a team of world-leading experts in information technology, AI and cybersecurity, and wireless communications. Hosted by UTS in partnership with the University of Sydney—two of Australia’s foremost institutions in Telecommunications Engineering—the Network brings together some of the brightest minds dedicated to solving real-world connectivity challenges through cutting-edge research. Together, we deliver meaningful and lasting impact, advancing the frontiers of technology to improve resilience, access and connectivity where it matters most.
Technical Director
Distinguished Professor Jay Guo brings over 30 years of international experience spanning academia, industry and CSIRO. He served as Research Director at CSIRO for nine years, successfully leading research and development programs across diverse ICT fields, including wireless networking, broadband applications, robotics, sensor networks and big data technologies.
Before joining CSIRO in 2005, Jay held senior roles in the European mobile communications industry with Siemens, NEC and Fujitsu Europe, where he spearheaded the development of 3G and 4G wireless communication systems. He is currently a Distinguished Professor in the UTS Faculty of Engineering and IT and Director of the Global Big Data Technologies Centre.
Jay is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE), the Royal Society of New South Wales (RSNSW) and the IEEE. His accolades include the Australian Government Engineering Innovation Award (2012), the Australian Engineering Excellence Award (2007) and two CSIRO Chairman’s Medals (2007, 2012). Recognised for his impact, he was named one of Australia’s most influential engineers in 2014 and 2015. Since 2020, he has been honoured as Australia’s Research Leader in Electromagnetics by the Australian Research Awards for four consecutive years.
Professor Jian Guo Zhu
Co-Director
Professor Jian Guo Zhu is a distinguished academic and a leading researcher in power electronics. Formerly a Distinguished Professor at the University of Technology
Sydney, he joined the University of Sydney in 2018 as a full Professor and Head of the School of Electrical and Information Engineering.
Professor Yonghui Li
Co-Technical Director
Shane Fitzsimmons
AO AFSM GAICD
Chair of the Board
Shane Fitzsimmons AO AFSM GAICD brings decades of leadership in emergency management and resilience. As former Chair of the NSW Telco Authority Board and leader of the world’s largest volunteer fire service, he has shaped crisis response and recovery. A recipient of multiple honours, Shane strengthens CIN’s mission to improve connectivity in regional and remote areas.
John Castro
Vice President of Wholesale and Satellite, Optus 2022 - October 2023
Kylie De Courteney
Managing Director, NSW Telco Authority
Sarah Goss
Head of Innovation, Ericsson 2022 - October 2024
David Haigh
Head of Field Operations, Optus
Vincent Hochart
General Manager Sales, Ericsson Australia
Rob Joyce
Chief Technology Officer, Nokia
2022 - August 2023
Joanna Knox
Network Applications & Services Executive, Telstra
Nick Lochrin Head of Digital Infrastructure Commercialisation, Nokia 2023 - February 2025
Yago Lopez
General Manager Technology, Strategy and Innovation, TPG Telecom 2022 - December 2023
Professor Yonghui Li is a renowned researcher in wireless communications and signal processing. He joined the University of Sydney in 2003 and is currently a Professor and Director of the Wireless Engineering Laboratory in the School of Electrical and Information Engineering. He is an IEEE Fellow and was a recipient of the ARC Queen Elizabeth II Fellowship in 2008 and the ARC Fellowship in 2012. He has contributed significantly to cooperative communications technologies and continues to advance research in next-generation wireless systems.
Darren Mills
Executive GM Network Management, NBN Co.
Ray Owen
Chief Technology Officer, NBN 2022 - August 2023
Zhi Soon
Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, NSW Telco Authority 2022 - July 2023
Michael Stein
Director, Motorola Solutions
Paul Tremlett
GM Technology Strategy and Innovation, TPG Telecom
Jane Want
Executive Director Transformation NSW Telco Authority
2022 - December 2024
Daniel Wright
Director Product Management, NSW Telco Authority 2022 - August 2024
Adrian Barr
NSW Dept of Primary Industries 2022 - March 2023
David Earl
Motorola Solutions
Stephen Farrugia
CTO
BAI Communications
Andrew Fleming
Newcastle University
Paul Barnes
Director IT Operations, Fire and Rescue
Vinh Bui
Southern Cross University
Darren Cooley
Head of Sales and Marketing, Pivotel
Steve Evans
Senior Manager Engineering, BAI Communications
Kusal Epa NSW Telco Authority
Matthew Ford
Senior Park Systems Officer, NSW
National Parks & Wildlife Service Sept 2023 - Dec 2024
Jay Guo
GBDTC Director University of Technology Sydney
Michael Friend
PVC Research and Innovation, Charles Sturt University
Ian Gibson
Associate Dean, University of New South Wales
Matthew Ingersole
Chief Information Officer, NSW Surf Life Saving
Lashantha Jayakody
Manager Wireless Technology Engineering Services, NSW Police
Arif Khan Charles Sturt University
Yonghui Li University of Sydney
Genie Tan
Chief Operating Officer
Stuart Warren
Business Development Manager
Jennifer Crawford
Administration and Project Officer
Joan MacDougal
Director Customer Partnerships NSW Telco Authority 2022 - December 2024
Stephen McRobert NSW State Emergency Service
James Pickens
CDTO, NSW Telco Authority March 2023 - February 2025
Simon Ringer
Director Core Research Facilities, University of Sydney
Mary Spongberg
DVC Research & Academic Capability, Southern Cross University
Graeme Stanley Director of Innovation, Motorola 2022
Glenn Wightwick
DVC Enterprise, UTS 2022 - August 2024
Shaun Newton
Head of Product, Australia BAI Communications 2022- June 2023
Lawrence Ong University of Newcastle
Farzad Safaei University of Wollongong May 2022 -Dec 2024
Leighton Schraw NSW Police 2022 - July 2023
Aruna Seneviratne University of New South Wales
Kent Skeahan
NSW Telco Authority
Andrew Smith
Manager Park Systems & Operations, NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Sam Stephens
General Manager Wireless Technologies, NBNCo
Le Chung Tran University of Wollongong
Matthew White
Manager Operational Platforms, NSW Rural Fire Service
Dan Winson
CEO & Founder, Zetifi
Filip Zalio Chief Engineer & Design Authority GME 2022 - June 2023
Lonneke Willems
Marketing and Communications Officer
Thomas Surridge Project Manager
Telstra wireless engineering
Sri Amirthalingam has said a focus on harmonisation of spectrum will be a key part of a successful transition to 6G. However he has cautioned that the future standard remains “quite ambiguous and nebulous.”
Amirthalingam said he expects 6G to ultimately be driven by the “perfect storm” of “massive connectivity, bandwidth requirements and ef iciency & AI coming in,” noting also that the standard is expected to offer seamless connectivity between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
Addressing the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Beyond 5G Connectivity Summit he cautioned that anyone claiming to know the timing of its arrival and exactly what it’s going to look like is “making it up.”
Amirthalingam stressed the importance of spectrum for the standard, however. “We don’t even know what spectrum we’re going to use,” he said. “And the problem with all these things is that if you don’t get harmonisation of spectrum globally, you don't have the economy scale on your handsets, and nobody can actually launch a viable network. So the ecosystem is quite important. When we talk about 6G, these are the practicalities people miss.”
The “US is pushing for 7GHz, it might be in 6GHz; 3GPP is considering all this and ITU-R is considering all that,” Amirthalingam said.
“A lot of people we speak to, the Tier 1 operators, the manufacturers of equipment, they’re all very circumspect about not rushing 6G,” he said, with questions yet to be COMMUN CAT ON DAY 4 Oc o e 2 4 g
Interview with Genie Tan, The Connectivity Expert: How Australia can achieve ubiquitous connectivity
A snapshot of the Connectivity Innovation Network’s journey so far — from national awards and international recognition to significant funding wins and wide-reaching engagement. These milestones reflect the growing impact of CIN’s collaborative projects across research, industry and government.
PHD SCHOLARSHIPS AND 2 INTERNSHIPS
In an emergency, access to real-time data is crucial. The Secure Multi-Org Data-Sharing (SMODS) Project is a game-changing data-sharing platform that leverages novel technologies to enable secure and efficient data sharing between organisations, with a particular focus on real-time multimedia data sharing between emergency services for improved situational awareness during emergency events.
Secure Multi-Org Data-Sharing (SMODS) Project
Project leaders: Professor Ren Ping Liu and Dr Xu Wang, University of Technology Sydney
Funding: $200,000
Status: Delivered
Led by UTS in consultation with World Data Exchange, SMODS is the first of two pilot projects arising from the outcomes of our initial problem statement workshops. Demonstrated on 4 December 2023 at Cicada Innovations, this innovative technology is reshaping emergency response capabilities, supporting emergency teams and ultimately saving lives, property and infrastructure.
Challenge: Data silos and fragmented communication
For frontline emergency service organisations, rapid access to comprehensive real-time data can make a world of difference when crisis strikes. Characterised by delays, data silos and privacy concerns, current data-sharing systems present significant challenges that limit the effectiveness of emergency response operations.
Market gaps: Limitations of current data-sharing platforms
Traditional data-sharing platforms face several challenges:
• Slow dissemination of critical information.
• Fragmented communication channels between organisations.
• Lack of robust privacy protections and manual data-sharing processes.
Solution: SMODS secure, scalable data-sharing platform
SMODS resolves these challenges by implementing a web-based, decentralised, privacy-preserving datasharing platform that harnesses advanced technology to ensure secure and efficient data access.
Key features
• The first and only data sharing platform to incorporate the Australian Computer Society’s (ACS) Data Sharing Framework: Evaluates privacy levels, assesses access risks and manages data lifecycles.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Flexible and scalable security model ensuring only authorised users can access sensitive data.
• OAuth authentication: Seamless integration with existing systems for secure server-to-server authentication.
• AI-driven automation: Real-time data product generation, including video sharing, with strict privacy protections.
The ACS report Frameworks and Controls for Data Sharing identifies the essential controls and methods to ensure that data is treated appropriately throughout its lifecycle, preserving the privacy of individuals while ensuring maximum possible value from data sharing practices.
• Emergency services: Real-time data access for quick, informed decision-making during crises.
• Government agencies: Secure, scalable communication between public and private sector stakeholders.
• Multi-organisation collaboration: Streamlined data sharing across sectors to improve situational awareness and operational efficiency.
RESPONDER (HIGH CONTROL)
The SMODS platform enables role-based access control (RBAC), ensuring that responders only see what they need. From full video for high-authority users to AI-driven real-time face blurring for privacy protection, SMODS balances situational awareness with data security.
• Data stay with owners only
Decentralised data sharing: SMODS facilitates secure access by connecting users to data products without storing or accessing the actual data, ensuring that data remains solely with its owners
• SMODS knows data products to connect owners and users but not the actual data to protect privacy
The Connectivity Innovation Network’s Large Area Wi-Fi (LAWIFI) project is revolutionising long-range and large-area Wi-Fi systems. This trailblazing initiative delivers reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi coverage in areas where cellular networks are lost due to natural disasters or where no existing connectivity infrastructure is available— particularly in regional, rural and remote locations. It offers vast impact potential in disaster recovery and remote environments.
Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System
Project leaders: Professor Yonghui Li, University of Sydney and Associate Professor Peiyuan Qin, University of Technology Sydney Industry collaborators: Pivotel, NBN Co., OneWeb, Real Access
Funding: $300,000
Status: Delivered
The Connectivity Innovation Network’s Large Area Wi-Fi (LAWIFI) project is revolutionising long-range and large-area Wi-Fi systems. This trailblazing initiative delivers reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi coverage in areas where cellular networks are lost due to natural disasters or where no existing connectivity infrastructure is available—particularly in regional, rural and remote locations. It offers vast impact potential in disaster recovery and remote environments.
The second pilot project arising from our first two problem statement workshops, the 12-month LAWIFI pilot, was successfully delivered and demonstrated on 27 February 2024 at Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park.
Challenge: Communication failures in critical situations
Natural disasters often compromise traditional communication networks, delaying rescue efforts and access to essential services. Additionally, many remote communities face persistent challenges in accessing reliable internet, impacting critical services such as healthcare, education and local business
Market gaps: Insufficient coverage and deployment Current communication technologies present several limitations:
• Limited range: Traditional Wi-Fi networks lack the ability to cover large areas.
• Rapid deployment issues: Shortage of quick-to-deploy communication solutions for emergencies.
• High infrastructure costs: Many existing solutions are expensive and complex to maintain.
• Mesh network limitations: Mesh networks have logistical challenges and reduced reliability over larger areas.
• Wi-Fi Halow limitations: While popular for IoT, Wi-Fi Halow operates on a sub-1Ghz frequency, rendering it incompatible with standard mobile devices mostly operating on 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.
Arising from themes developed through our first two problem workshops and the 2023 Power Resilience Symposium, CIN’s Power Resilience Project enhances the resilience of the NSW Telco Authority’s (NSWTA) Public Safety Network (PSN). A critical radio communications system connecting frontline emergency services, government agencies and essential services across New South Wales, the PSN is among the largest of its kind globally and second only to Australia’s triple zero emergency hotline in importance.
NSWTA’s Resilience Program strengthens the PSN through the delivery of mobile assets and upgrades, augmenting or replacing coverage and safeguarding commercial mobile networks to keep communities connected. CIN’s innovative Power Resilience Project extends this by establishing a unified data management platform, enabling real-time power supply monitoring across the network and at individual sites. It also provides predictive analytics for potential disruptions and proactive measures to maintain network functionality, even during emergencies.
Project 1
A Digital Twin for Managing the Power Resilience of Telecomm
Project leader: A/Professor Wenjing Jia, University of Technology Sydney
Funding: $200,000
Status: In progress
Project 2
A multi-agent system solution for improving resilience of the telecommunications system in emergencies and natural calamities
Project leaders: Dr Fenghui Ren and Professor Jun Yan, University of Wollongong
Funding: $50,000
Status: In progress
Project 3
A data sharing platform for power network situation awareness using drones
Project leaders: Dr Vinh Bui, Professor Brendan Kelaher, Dr Ali Reza Alaei, Southern Cross University
Funding: $50,000
Status: In progress
Led by UTS, CIN members University of Wollongong and Southern Cross University are delivering complementary functionalities for future integration into the power management platform, ready for progress demonstration in 2025. By fortifying the PSN’s resilience, the project will boost emergency response capabilities and reinforce the safety and security of communities across New South Wales.
Challenge: Network vulnerability to power disruptions As the backbone of emergency communications in NSW, PSN’s reliability is essential. Power supply disruptions pose a significant risk, potentially jeopardising critical communication during emergencies.
Solution: Unified data management for predictive power resilience
The Power Resilience Project harnesses advanced technologies to transform how power dependencies are managed:
• Real-time monitoring: Continuous assessment of power supply across PSN sites to detect and address issues instantly.
• Predictive analytics: Insights into potential vulnerabilities to proactively safeguard network resilience.
• Proactive measures: Implementation of strategic solutions to ensure uninterrupted communication during emergencies.
Since our inception three years ago, the Connectivity Innovation Network has developed, hosted and contributed to a wide range of events that foster collaboration, drive innovation and address critical challenges in connectivity. From workshops and summits to symposia and field trials, these gatherings form a cornerstone of our mission to close the digital inclusion gap and empower individuals, businesses and communities.
More than just events, they are catalysts for change — bringing together industry leaders, researchers and government representatives to share insights, ideas, expertise and real-world experience. Through these connections, we create space for meaningful dialogue and lasting partnerships that advance connectivity across New South Wales and beyond. Together, we envision, explore and co-create a more connected future.
7 December 2021, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
The Connectivity Innovation Network’s first problem statement workshop, held just weeks after establishment, united key government stakeholders to explore and understand the pressing connectivity challenges they face. The workshop provided a forum for open discussion, knowledge sharing and collaborative ideation, laying the foundation for CIN’s pilot funding initiatives.
Taking NSWTA’s suggested themes of power resilience, ubiquitous connectivity, network and cyber automation and sensors as a starting point, the discussion confirmed the strong need in these areas and evolved to highlight several universal industry challenges:
• Secure, real-time inter-organisational datasharing: A critical need for coordinated efforts in emergency and operational scenarios.
• Ubiquitous connectivity: Ensuring reliable and inclusive access across diverse regions and use cases.
• Cyber security: Addressing vulnerabilities in an increasingly interconnected digital ecosystem.
• Cost: Managing economic barriers to implementing innovative solutions
This workshop was a vital first step in our mission to address complex connectivity challenges through targeted projects and partnerships. It provided valuable insights into the priorities and concerns of stakeholders, helping define our strategic themes for funding and innovation and fostering collaboration.
10 May 2022, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
Designed to test and validate outcomes from the first workshop, our second problem statement workshop expanded the scope of discussions, bringing in new members and key government stakeholders to better understand their most critical connectivity challenges.
Secure, real-time data sharing between organisations, particularly Emergency Service Organisations (ESOs), emerged as a recurring challenge, along with several other key constraints:
• Legal and regulatory requirements: Complexities in compliance across jurisdictions.
• Security concerns: Protecting sensitive data while enabling collaboration.
• Commercial factors: Addressing cost implications and competitive barriers.
• Technical issues, including the need for realtime and statistical data availability, platform standardisation and adequate data storage solutions.
Beyond data-sharing challenges, two other themes stood out as priorities for action:
• Ubiquitous connectivity: Ensuring consistent, reliable network access across diverse and remote regions.
• Power resilience: Addressing the critical role of uninterrupted power supply in sustaining connectivity during emergencies.
CIN announced its first call for proposals after distilling insights gained from the first two workshops, targeting two pivotal projects:
1. Secure Multi-Organisation Data-Sharing: Developing solutions to facilitate secure, seamless data-sharing between organisations.
2. Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi: Innovating technologies to provide high-speed connectivity in remote or disaster-affected areas.
This workshop marked a significant step forward in CIN’s mission to address connectivity challenges, fostering collaboration and driving actionable outcomes for our stakeholders.
31 May 2022, University of Technology Sydney Tech Lab, Botany
The Connectivity Innovation Network was officially launched at our host university in the UTS Tech Lab, a world-class multidisciplinary research facility renowned for its cutting-edge laboratories. In addition to celebrating our launch, the event was a vibrant showcase of the unique resources and partnerships that underpin our mission to drive connectivity innovation.
Tech Lab is home to the largest indoor anechoic antenna chamber in the Southern Hemisphere, Nokia’s 5G Futures Lab, the Multimedia Data Analytics Lab and the Electrical and Power Engineering Lab.
CIN members benefit from exclusive discounted access to UTS Tech Lab’s state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative workspaces, purpose-designed to stimulate innovation and industry-academic partnerships.
With several industry organisations embedded on site, it is a dynamic hub for the research, development and collaboration crucial to realising our vision.
23 August 2022, University of Technology Sydney Tech Lab, Botany
The Inaugural Beyond 5G Connectivity Summit was held at UTS Tech lab in partnership with Austrade. This hybrid event convened thought leaders across industry, research and government to explore advancements in Beyond 5G (B5G) technologies and the evolving connectivity landscape, with insightful discussions and dynamic keynote presentations from global experts, including:
• Dr Sadayuki Abeta’s (Global Head of Open RAN Solutions, NTT DoCoMo) insights into Open RAN solutions and their transformative potential.
• Professor Mischa Dohler’s (Ericsson) perspectives on innovation in B5G and emerging communication technologies.
• Mikko Uusitalo’s (Nokia) strategies for integrating privacy and sensing in Beyond 5G networks.
• CIN Directors Dr Ian Oppermann and Distinguished Professor Jay Guo’s examination of privacy, integrated sensing and communication innovations for B5G.
Now one of CIN’s flagship annual events, the summit was a hub for cross-sector collaboration and dialogue, exploring challenges and opportunities within the B5G ecosystem and driving connectivity innovation to advance Australia’s position in the global telecommunications landscape.
31 January 2023, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
Power resilience was a central theme emerging from CIN’s Second Problem Statement Workshop.
The Power Resilience Symposium united over 100 participants from diverse sectors—from NSW energy providers, mobile network operators, telcos and vendors to emergency service organisations—to explore multifaceted challenges, strategic priorities and collaboration opportunities in this space.
Insightful presentations from key organisations including Telstra, Optus, BAI Communications, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police, Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy set the stage for productive breakout sessions, with ten working groups delivering valuable feedback to shape actionable priorities around several critical topics:
• Information sharing: Improving the flow of data during crises.
• Standardisation: Establishing consistent practices across organisations.
• Optimised recovery times: Streamlining responses to outages.
• Predictive capability: Leveraging data to anticipate disruptions.
• Monitoring and transparency: Enhancing visibility of existing data to all stakeholders.
The workshop delivered a clear set of recommendations for maximum impact:
1. Develop a data catalogue: Centralise information to support planning and business case development.
1. Enhance communication on outages: Facilitate improved sharing of planned and unplanned outage data through data products, such as outage proximity notifications.
2. Resilience planning by site: Assess resilience at individual sites and aggregate data to understand overall network resilience at different lifecycle phases—planning, construction, operation and maintenance during both extreme events and restoration.
3. Real-time information sharing: Establish platforms to communicate power status, critical site classifications and outage updates during emergencies.
The session’s focus on cross-sector innovation and collaboration enabled CIN to identify high-impact areas to address in its next call for proposals, ready to address these complex challenges and develop solutions that ensure connectivity for all.
In January 2023, I was invited to speak at the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Power Resilience Symposium. It was an excellent forum that brought together our national mobile network operators and vendors, broadcasters, energy operators and Emergency Service organisations to share and discuss common challenges around Power Resilience and the impact on our Telecommunications networks and communities.
Having all the right people in the same place, at the same time, I connected with one of the other speakers over the course of the day and this facilitated and expedited our progress with this energy operator around Optus’ work on increasing power resilience across our Network. This is one example of why the CIN’s events are invaluable for driving meaningful change and aligning efforts between sectors to better prepare for future challenges.
David Haigh Head of Field Operations,
Optus
2 May 2023, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
The six-month proof of concept demonstration of the SMODS Platform marked a critical milestone in CIN’s efforts to address the challenges of real-time data-sharing in emergency scenarios. Designed to facilitate quick, secure and accessible data exchange, the SMODS platform stands out as the only known system to incorporate the Australian Computer Society’s (ACS) Data Sharing Framework.
The demonstration showcased the platform’s capability to evaluate varying levels of privacy required for different datasets, assess environmental risks associated with data access and manage the lifecycle of datasets from creation to secure disposal. This addresses a critical gap in existing systems, which often lack practical frameworks for secure, real-time data-sharing essential for coordinated emergency responses.
Key use cases demonstrated multi-media sharing during emergencies, involving stakeholders such as State Emergency Services (SES) responders, Surf Life Saving teams, Council officers and public communications personnel. These scenarios proved the system’s ability to control access based on organisational permissions, ranging from high-level insights to anonymised multi-media and raw data files. The SMODS platform also employs secure server-to-server authentication and communication, enabling seamless, efficient and privacy-compliant data-sharing.
Paving the way for safer, more efficient emergency response, SMODS is a prime example of the power of collaborative innovation to drive societal impact—the very heart of CIN’s mission.
6 June 2023, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
Addressing the growing complexities and vulnerabilities in cybersecurity, CIN’s Cyber Security Symposium gathered experts from the Department of Customer Service, NSW Telco Authority, Microsoft and AWS partner Mantel Group to frame a problem statement that would guide practical, collaborative strategies and solutions. The event focused on four primary areas of concern:
1. Inconsistent technical standards: The challenge of implementing cybersecurity measures amidst various potentially incompatible protocols.
2. Supply chain security risks: Vulnerabilities arising from internationally mandated manufacturing standards and the cost-control trade-offs between off-the-shelf IT solutions and bespoke systems.
3. Cybersecurity awareness and skills gaps: The need to enhance capabilities across organisations.
4. Disconnect between IT and OT systems: Bridging operational and technological security to create integrated defences.
The symposium also explored the recurring theme of the need for secure, real-time data sharing, with CIN Director Dr Ian Oppermann showcasing the first-of-its-kind SMODS platform—a compelling example of the network’s ability to resolve complex challenges that have long eluded commercial alternatives.
Key recommendations and insights from the symposium included:
• Implementing basic cyber hygiene practices, capable of preventing up to 98% of incidents.
• Developing and enforcing standards compliance, placing accountability on vendors.
• Ensuring integration of IT and OT systems for seamless operational security.
• Distributing cybersecurity accountability across all organisational levels.
• Using AI-driven behaviour analysis to counter sophisticated threats such as deepfakes and impersonation.
The symposium reinforced CIN’s commitment to collaborative innovation to deliver high-impact connectivity solutions, leading to our fifth call for proposals, centred on AI for Cybersecurity and with results expected by the end of 2024. Participants also identified the need for technical guides to support organisations in implementing cybersecurity standards effectively. Findings will be revealed in CIN’s second whitepaper, set for release in 2025.
26–27 September 2023, Southern Cross University and Northern Rivers Living Labs, Lismore
The Connectivity Innovation Network’s first annual Regional Connectivity Symposium was hosted by Southern Cross University (SCU) in Lismore, in collaboration with the NSW Smart Sensing Network. This one-and-a-half-day event provided an invaluable platform for CIN members, stakeholders and community representatives to discuss the unique connectivity challenges faced during natural disasters in regional and remote areas and develop communitydriven solutions to enhance resilience.
The symposium was focused on the devastating 2022 Lismore Floods and the vital need for real-time, highaccuracy monitoring and prediction to improve disaster response strategies in the face of climate change. Across three distinct sessions, participants explored the challenges faced by local communities, first responders and those responsible for infrastructure restoration. During the opening session, SCU Deputy Vice Chancellor Mary Spongberg emphasised the importance of community resilience, local knowledge and active participation in disaster response. Discussions highlighted:
• The community’s role as the real first responders and the value of community-led initiatives and low-tech solutions, such as CB radios.
• The reliance on mobile communications, posing significant challenges during disasters due to the limitations of high-tech solutions.
• The need for community expertise and collaboration to enhance disaster resilience.
Subsequent sessions delved into restoration efforts, with speakers from Fire and Rescue NSW, Essential Energy, NBN and Telstra. Key takeaways included the critical importance of transparency, access to essential sites and preparedness for rapid restoration of infrastructure after emergencies. Panellists emphasised the need for real-time communication and fallback capabilities to ensure uninterrupted critical communications and state-level legislation compelling carriers to cooperate and share data for disaster response and restoration efforts. Participants also witnessed the scale and impact of the 2022 floods firsthand on a tour of Lismore. They visited the Northern Rivers Living Labs, a collaborative hub led by SCU, UTS and the NSW Government, connecting academic research with local knowledge to co-design adaptive strategies for infrastructure, housing and flood mitigation.
Key messages:
• Emergency services’ capabilities must be shared and understood by local communities to enhance disaster response.
• Real-time information sharing is critical at the front line, with systems requiring robust fallback mechanisms.
• Transparent communication and collaboration between agencies are essential for effective disaster management.
• Legislative action is needed to mandate carrier cooperation in sharing critical data during emergencies.
Southern Cross University (SCU) has had a great experience as a member of the CIN. The network is by far the easiest research network with partner with. Strong on university and industry collaboration, light on administration, this model really works well. Researchers at SCU have gareatly benefitted from the projects that have emerged.
More importantly, through the ‘Regional Connectivity Challenges Symposium: Building Resilience for a Safer, Connected Future in NSW’, the network tapped into local knowledge, listened to first responders and came up with some amazing projects that will greatly mitigate the risks to connectivity posed by climate catastrophes such as the 2022 floods. We look forward to exploring strategies for post-disaster recovery with network and would welcome the network back to launch their projects in the future.
Mary Spongberg, Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Southern Cross University
4 December 2023, Cicada Innovations, Eveleigh
The final demonstration of SMODS unveiled a fully operational platform capable of delivering real-time, secure data-sharing across organisations, following the earlier demonstration in May outlining the theoretical possibilities, framework and design. The first known data-sharing solution to integrate the Australian Computer Society’s Data Sharing Framework, the SMODS platform sets a new standard in data privacy and security, ensuring robust protection of sensitive information while maintaining accessibility for critical users.
Key features of the decentralised, web-based platform include:
• Direct user-to-owner access: Enabling swift and secure data retrieval directly from data owners.
• Historical and real-time video sharing: Facilitating crucial situational awareness and coordination in emergencies.
• Advanced security protocols: Addressing growing concerns over data privacy in multiorganisation collaborations.
Attendees observed the platform’s ability to seamlessly manage and share both real-time and historical multimedia data while accommodating varying levels of access based on an individual’s role within an organisation. This revolutionary innovation powers efficient decision-making during emergency response operations, including for largescale incidents and natural disasters, protecting lives and property and supporting frontline workers.
27 February 2024, Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park, south Sydney
Over 60 attendees from government, emergency service organisations and industry partners converged for the final demonstration of CIN’s second pilot project, the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System. The project team presented significant advancements driving robust, high-speed connectivity solutions for challenging environments, including the deployment of an updated threesector antenna, refined Wi-Fi protocols and an improved backhaul system.
Though conducted over a relatively short distance of 300 metres, the system delivered remarkably high data rates, even in areas with partial or full shadowing and without line-of-sight connectivity.
This transformative solution for connectivity challenges can maintain reliable connections under real-world conditions, a critical requirement for emergency response and remote-area applications.
16 April 2024, NBN Headquarters, North Sydney
Launched in April 2024 at NBN Headquarters, CIN’s first whitepaper, Towards Ubiquitous Connectivity in Australia, addresses the challenges and opportunities in achieving seamless connectivity across Australia—particularly in remote and rural areas—in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Authored by esteemed academics Professor Y Jay Guo, Professor Yonghui Li and Dr Ian Oppermann, the whitepaper was developed in consultation with telecommunications experts, industry leaders and government representatives. It provides actionable insights and a strategic roadmap for improving digital inclusion and connectivity across Australia.
A significant milestone for CIN, the paper highlights emerging technologies to create fit-for-purpose connectivity solutions. Leveraging insights from the NSW Telco Authority’s Digital Connectivity Index, the document maps disparities in digital access across regions and the critical need to bridge these gaps.
Key recommendations include:
• Encouraging public-private partnerships to foster local technology innovations.
• Leveraging university research capabilities to nurture the growth of Australia’s telecommunications industry.
• Developing rapid-deployment communication networks for emergency scenarios.
• Investing in advanced technologies, such as drone-enabled communications and wireless sensing, for disaster response and monitoring.
• Setting ambitious collaborative goals with allied nations to establish regional or global markets.
This publication lays the foundation for transformative advancements in achieving a more connected, resilient and equitable future for all Australians. The launch event was an ideal platform to explore findings and recommendations and reinforce CIN’s commitment to driving innovation and collaboration in the connectivity landscape.
The release of ‘Towards Ubiquitous Connectivity in Australia’ marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a fully connected NSW and sets the stage for transformative advancements in technology and digital inclusion. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the whitepaper delves into the ongoing challenges faced by parts of Australia, particularly rural NSW, in achieving ubiquitous connectivity. Despite progress, the digital divide persists, hindering access to essential services, education and employment opportunities. The new publication emphasises the importance of prioritising digital inclusion and meaningful connectivity and outlines the NSW Government’s Connectivity Strategy aimed at broadening citizens’ access to vital services and addressing affordability.
Genie Tan Chief Operating Officer, Connectivity Innovation Network
29–30 May 2024, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga
The Connectivity Innovation Network hosted its 2nd Annual Regional Connectivity Symposium, bringing together leading voices from academia, industry, government, agriculture and regional communities to address connectivity challenges in regional and remote NSW. Building on the success of the inaugural event in 2023, the two-day symposium showcased innovative solutions, live demonstrations and collaborative discussions to drive connectivity improvements across regional Australia.
Digital connectivity in sustainable agriculture
The symposium opened with a focus on how digital connectivity is transforming sustainable farming practices. Jon Medway, Director of the Global Digital Farm initiative at Charles Sturt University, demonstrated how technologies such as real-time soil monitoring and automated livestock management enhance productivity and sustainability. Attendees gained insights into the vital role of reliable connectivity in driving agricultural innovation.
The day concluded with an informal networking event at the Cellar Door, where participants from diverse sectors exchanged ideas, built connections and explored opportunities for collaboration.
The second day featured expert presentations, live demonstrations and a facilitated discussion on solutions to regional connectivity challenges.
Dr Ian Oppermann (CIN Director) and Professor Michael Friend highlighted CIN’s projects and initiatives. Wagga Wagga Mayor Dallas Tout discussed local connectivity needs and Rania Wannous (NSW Telco Authority) showcased innovative solutions, including the Public Safety Network (PSN), Community Connectivity Kits and Broadband Connectivity Drones.
Attendees experienced a live demonstration of CIN’s Large Area Wi-Fi (LAWIFI) project, showcasing its potential to deliver reliable connectivity in underserved regions.
Presentations from industry leaders addressed critical topics such as service parity for regional communities, emergency response connectivity and future technologies. Speakers included Peter Adams (Department of Regional NSW), Robert Hardie (NBN Co), Dan Winson (Zetifi), Harriet Mellish (AgriFutures), Peter Runcie (NSW Smart Sensing Network) and Superintendent Roger Orr (NSW Rural Fire Service).
Facilitated discussion
Experts from NSW Telco Authority, TPG Telecom, Optus and Telstra explored strategies to deliver consistent, affordable coverage, including the roles of 5G and satellite technology.
• Practical solutions: Advanced technologies should be accessible and affordable for regional communities.
• Trust and reliability: Dependable networks are essential for daily life and emergency responses.
• Support for adoption: Guidance is needed to help regional communities integrate new technologies.
Looking forward
This year’s Regional Connectivity Symposium reinforced CIN’s commitment to improving regional connectivity by bringing the right people together—communities, industry, researchers and government. The event created a space for open discussions, knowledge-sharing and collaboration, helping shape practical solutions for regional and remote areas. By fostering these connections, the symposium sparked new ideas and partnerships that could lead to better digital infrastructure, improved service accessibility and stronger regional resilience. The conversations and insights shared will help guide future initiatives and ensure that regional voices remain at the centre of connectivity solutions.
CIN will continue working towards practical, realworld solutions that bridge the digital divide and support regional communities. We look forward to working with our partners across sectors to drive meaningful change—because digital access shouldn’t depend on where you live.
The Regional Connectivity Symposium is unlike any other event—it comes out to the regions and brings local communities, industry and researchers together in one place. That mix of voices—people who live and work in rural and remote areas, alongside those developing the technology and shaping policy—is what makes it so valuable.
As a panellist, I saw firsthand how open and honest the conversations were. People shared real experiences about the challenges of staying connected in the regions and the practical realities of delivering better connectivity. What stood out most was the focus on solutions— bringing together the right people to listen, share and collaborate on ways to make real progress.
Jen Medway
20-21 July 2024, Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park, Mid North Coast of NSW
Navshield 2024 provided the Connectivity Innovation Network with a unique opportunity to trial the Large Area Wi-Fi (LAWIFI) System in a real-world emergency training exercise. Hosted annually by the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES), Navshield is Australia’s largest search and rescue training event, bringing together emergency service personnel to navigate remote and rugged terrain under simulated disaster conditions. Held in Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park, the event served as a high-impact testbed for LAWIFI’s capabilities in environments where traditional connectivity is often unreliable or unavailable.
The LAWIFI System was deployed independently of the event’s official communications infrastructure. Positioned 350 metres from the event base, LAWIFI provided reliable Wi-Fi coverage across the camping area, supporting 650 personnel, with connectivity extending up to 1.7 kilometres in line-of-sight tests.
During the event, high winds caused a power outage at a key telecommunications site, temporarily disabling Telstra and Optus services in the region. As traditional networks went offline, LAWIFI seamlessly rerouted calls via its satellite backhaul, ensuring uninterrupted communication until standard mobile services were restored. This live demonstration reinforced the system’s potential as a rapidly deployable connectivity solution for emergency response scenarios, including disaster-affected regions where network disruptions are common.
Navshield 2024 highlighted the critical role of resilient connectivity in emergency preparedness, showcasing how LAWIFI can provide essential communication infrastructure in the most demanding conditions.
17–18 October 2024, Aerial Function Centre, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo
CIN’s 3rd Annual Australian Beyond 5G Connectivity
Summit saw leaders, researchers and policymakers converge to explore the technologies shaping the 5G to 6G transition. The summit’s expanded format enabled deeper discussions on the innovations and challenges driving connectivity advancements as we work to grow digital inclusion and resilient infrastructure for Australia.
Day 1:
Industry insights and innovations
Exploring industry perspectives on advancements in 5G-enabled platforms, the journey to 6G and transformative technologies such as AI and AR, Day 1 revealed practical applications in critical sectors such as healthcare, public safety and manufacturing and the potential to advance digital inclusion and sustainable growth.
Presentations
• Keynote speaker Professor Mischa Dohler (Vice President of Emerging Technologies, Ericsson) explored the transformative potential of 6G and the evolution of 5G, highlighting successful applications such as 5G-enabled telesurgery, AI-enhanced extended reality (XR) and fixed wireless access solutions in rural connectivity and the importance of collaboration on midband spectrum allocation for real-time, AIdriven experiences.
• Louise Hyland (AMTA) advocated for a national mobile technology strategy to support investment in 5G and 6G.
• Sam Stephens (NBN) highlighted fixed wireless upgrades to extend high-speed connectivity to rural communities.
• Jeff Owen (TPG Telecom) shared insights on balancing legacy infrastructure with emerging technologies.
Panel discussions and expert insights
• Spectrum management and innovation: The complexities of balancing coverage and capacity and the mid-band spectrum’s critical role in realising 6G’s potential.
• Ethical dimensions in connectivity: Privacy concerns and the ethical implications of AI and XR, calling for frameworks that ensure responsible and inclusive innovation.
• Public safety and mission-critical networks: Integrating terrestrial and satellite networks for resilient emergency communications.
In just three years, we have watched something remarkable take shape. Ideas have become action. Action has become impact. And together, we have laid the groundwork for a New South Wales where no one is left behind.
What began as a network has grown into a community—where government officials sit alongside university researchers and industry pioneers, all asking the same question: What connectivity challenges matter most, and how can we solve them together? This work rarely makes headlines, but it’s happening every day— in workshops where problems are defined, in labs where ideas take form, in field trials where concepts are tested, and in the ongoing alignment of innovation with policy.
We’re building with purpose—creating systems that truly reflect what communities need. The solutions emerging from our work are rooted in lived experience. When we close connectivity gaps, improve resilience, enhance security, or enable data sharing across critical sectors, we’re guided by local voices, practical insight, and a shared belief in public value.
CIN’s impact goes beyond pilot deployments or awards—you can feel it in the momentum driving our partnerships. When emergency responders, researchers, technologists and local leaders work side by side, they’re not just sharing expertise— they’re drawing from a deep understanding of what’s at stake for their communities.
These impact-driven partnerships are what define CIN. Projects like LAWiFi, SMODS, Power Resilience, and Sensing for Disasters are more than technical initiatives—they’re examples of what happens when collaboration is grounded in real needs and focused on long-term change.
We know the digital divide won’t disappear overnight. But with each new collaboration, each breakthrough, and each connection we strengthen, we’re expanding what’s possible for communities across our state—and laying the foundation for lasting progress. This journey is far from over. But by continuing to work together, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s solutions—for the people who call New South Wales home.
Access to reliable digital connectivity is a necessity for regional and rural communities. The work of the Connectivity Innovation Network in bridging these gaps is making a real impact, from innovative technology trials to collaborative discussions that shape policy and funding decisions. By focusing on practical solutions tailored to the unique challenges of remote areas, CIN is helping to drive meaningful change and ensure that no one is left behind in our increasingly digital world.
For too long, regional and rural communities have been on the -sidelines of connectivity discussions— talked about, but not always listened to. What sets the Connectivity Innovation Network apart is that they don’t just talk about digital inclusion; they actively engage with the people and communities directly affected to understand what’s needed and how to make it happen.
Through initiatives like the Regional Connectivity Symposium, CIN creates opportunities for local communities, industry and government to collaborate on solutions that matter. Whether it’s exploring ways to improve digital inclusion, discussing the barriers to adoption such as digital literacy and usability, or facilitating collaboration between mobile network operators, CIN is working to address connectivity challenges from multiple angles.
The impact of this approach is real. By ensuring rural voices are not only heard but acted upon, they are making meaningful progress towards a future where geography is no longer a barrier to opportunity. CIN’s work is proof that when regional communities, researchers and industry come together with a shared purpose, real change is possible.
Jen Medway General Manager, Regional Tech Hub and 5th generation farmer
CIN’s investment approach is both strategic and deeply purposeful—focused on projects with the greatest potential to solve critical challenges in regional connectivity, public safety, and emergency response. Our funding decisions are guided by community need, technical feasibility, and longterm value for New South Wales.
$1.5M Federal Grant Secured
A national endorsement of CIN’s work, this major grant is supporting the next phase of the Rapidly Deployable Large Area WiFi (LAWiFi) system—an
emergency connectivity platform designed to deliver coverage when traditional networks are unavailable.
$1.4M Allocated to High-Impact Projects
These investments (figure 1) are enabling highpotential, cross-disciplinary collaborations designed to serve regional communities, accelerate emergency preparedness, and strengthen resilience where it’s needed most.
$100,000
LAWIFI – Gen 2 development
Incorporating feedback from emergency service organisations to refine LAWIFI system hardware
$250,000
TDRI Project
Addressing targeted connectivity challenges
$1,400,000
$200,000
Secure Multi-Org Data- Sharing (SMODS) Platform
Enables secure data sharing across emergency and public safety organisations
$300,000 Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi (LAWIFI) System
Expanding access to connectivity in regional and disaster-prone areas
$300,000 Power Resilience Platform
Enhancing energy redundancy for critical communications infrastructure
$250,000
Sensing for Disasters Solutions
Advanced tools to support disaster prediction, preparation and response
CIN’s value extends beyond technical delivery. Our unique cross-sector model has earned recognition at state, national and global levels, and continues to foster a dynamic ecosystem of partnerships, shared knowledge, and next-generation talent.
Recognition Highlights
State and National iAwards (2024)
Recognising the LAWiFi project’s potential to transform emergency connectivity and bridge regional communication gaps.
APICTA 2024 – Global Stage Representation
CIN was selected as the only university-led collaboration to represent Australia at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards, showcasing our impact internationally.
CIN has been shortlisted for one of Australia’s leading public innovation awards, reflecting the strength of our model and the promise of our work.
Two industry internships (2023)
CIN placed two interns with BAI Communications, providing hands-on experience in real-world connectivity projects.
PhD scholarships
Supporting emerging researchers working on complex challenges in connectivity and digital inclusion.
Industry–academia partnerships
CIN continues to serve as a vital bridge between research and practice—enabling shared learning, collaborative experimentation, and communitycentred design.
During my time as Acting Chief Digital and Technology Officer at the NSW Telco Authority (NSWTA), I attended the first two problem statement workshops hosted by the Connectivity Innovation Network (CIN). These workshops were an invaluable opportunity to engage with experts, share challenges and define clear use cases that would later shape the scope of critical projects. I was fortunate to represent NSWTA and play an integral role in translating the insights and outcomes from these workshops into actionable plans that have since driven meaningful results.
These workshops were a game-changer for organisations like Fire and Rescue NSW. It provided a much-needed platform to collaborate with other government stakeholders and articulate the critical connectivity challenges we face daily, such as secure, real-time interorganisational data sharing, ubiquitous connectivity and cost constraints.
What sets CIN apart is how they turned these discussions into action. The Secure Multi-Org Data Sharing (SMODS) project is a direct result of those early conversations. By addressing the critical need for secure, realtime data sharing between organisations, SMODS has the potential to transform how we coordinate during emergencies, enhancing both speed and effectiveness.
CIN’s commitment to practical, scalable innovation reassures us that these solutions are not just theoretical— they are tailored to operational realities and will have a tangible impact on the safety and resilience of our communities. We are proud to have been part of the journey from problem identification to solution development.
Mario Zullo IT Director, Fire and Rescue
NSW
Be part of the future
To continue making an impact, we need your help. Here’s how you can contribute:
1. Become a CIN member
CIN is funded by the NSW Telco Authority and its members and expanding our membership is critical to sustaining and scaling our work. If you are an industry leader, researcher or policymaker looking to drive connectivity innovation, by becoming a CIN member you will help fund projects, co-develop solutions and guide the future of connectivity. Membership provides access to a growing network of experts, funding opportunities and collaborative innovation.
2. Get involved in a CIN project
CIN funds and facilitates groundbreaking projects in secure data sharing, emergency communications, power resilience, sensing for disasters and cyber security. If you have expertise, technology or insights to contribute, reach out to explore how you can play a role in shaping the future of communications.
3. Submit a problem statement
CIN will consider, evaluate and prioritise new themes through the submission of problem statements from CIN members. If you have a critical connectivity challenge requiring innovative solutions, submit a problem statement to help determine the focus of future CIN projects.
4. Advocate for innovation
Help amplify our impact by sharing CIN’s work with your networks. Whether through industry events, government briefings or digital platforms, your voice helps drive awareness and support for critical connectivity solutions.
5. Stay connected
Don’t miss updates on CIN’s latest projects, research and events. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn to stay informed and engaged.
6. Get in touch
Keen to discuss membership or partnership opportunities, or explore how you can contribute? Contact us at communications@ connectivityinnovationnetwork.com or visit www.connectivityinnovationnetwork.com to learn more.
The heart of the Connectivity Innovation Network
The Connectivity Innovation Network thrives because of the unwavering commitment and passion of our members. Their active engagement, collaborative spirit and shared vision for advancing connectivity innovation have been instrumental in shaping our success.
From participating in groundbreaking projects to advancing new ideas, our members have been instrumental in driving solutions that address real-world challenges in New South Wales and beyond.
We are proud to stand alongside such a diverse and dynamic community of innovators, leaders and organisations that inspire us daily. Together, we have not only built a network but also a shared legacy of innovation and resilience.
Thank you for your dedication, expertise and belief in the power of collaboration. We are stronger, more innovative and closer to achieving our goals because of you.
Only select images requiring attribution or additional context are included below. All other visuals used in this report are either CIN-owned or sourced from partners with permission for use.
2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant recipient Fiona Taylor with her donkey, Mary. Image by Shanna Whan, supplied by AgriFutures Australia.
Group of Indigenous children in the Australian bush. Photo by Casey Jadew.
Breakout session workgroup led by Distinguished Professor Jay Guo at the Power Resilience Symposium, January 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Jon Medway leading the Global Digital Farm initiative tour for attendees of the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Regional Connectivity Symposium 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Audience listening to presentations at the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Annual Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Chief Superintendent Matthew Wormald speaking on the importance of power resilience at the Power Resilience Symposium, February 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
A/Professor Peiyuan Qin and Fire and Rescue NSW staff during the final demonstration of the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System at Wattamolla Beach, January 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Distinguished Professor Jay Guo leading a tour of the TPG–UTS Network Sensing Lab for attendees of the Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Attendees testing the Wi-Fi signal during the final demonstration of the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System at Wattamolla Beach, February 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Audience during the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Problem Statement Workshop No.1, December 2021. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Workgroup session during the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Problem Statement Workshop No.1, December 2021. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
The antenna of the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi (LAWIFI) System showcased during the six-month demonstration at the Fire and Rescue NSW Emergency Services Academy, Orchard Hills, on 31 August 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
The 12-month and final demonstration version of the LAWIFI antenna, showcased at Wattamolla Beach on 27 February 2024, highlighting enhanced capability and resilience. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Final demonstration of the LAWIFI System at Wattamolla Beach, February 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System in a real-life scenario deployment during SES NSW Navshield 2024, July 2025. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
A/Professor Peiyuan Qin and his team of researchers demonstrating the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System at the Regional Connectivity Symposium 2024 in Wagga Wagga. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Darren Cooley and Tricia Wilson (Pivotel), Distinguished Professor Jay Guo (CIN and UTS), and Professor Yonghui Li (CIN and USYD) receiving the 2024 iAwards Merit on stage. Photo: © Australian Information Industry Association.
Breakout session workgroup led by Distinguished Professor Jay Guo at the Power Resilience Symposium, January 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Audience during the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Problem Statement Workshop No.1, December 2021. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Workgroup session during the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Problem Statement Workshop No.1, December 2021. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
During the CIN launch at Tech Lab on 31 May 2022, UTS Senior RF Manager Kevin Sharp shared insights into Australia’s largest near-field antenna anechoic chamber. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Professor Jian Zhang from the Multimedia Data Analytics Lab, UTS Global Big Data Technologies Centre, presenting to attendees at the CIN launch held at Tech Lab on 31 May 2022. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Jane Want, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at the NSW Telco Authority, opening the Connectivity Innovation Network’s official launch event on 31 May 2022 at UTS Tech Lab. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Dr Sadayuki Abeta (Tokyo, Japan) and Distinguished Professor Jay Guo during Dr Abeta’s keynote speech on Open RAN at the inaugural Australian Beyond 5G Summit, August 2022. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Joint discussion session at the Power Resilience Symposium, January 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Breakout session workgroup led by Distinguished Professor Jay Guo at the Power Resilience Symposium, January 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
David Haigh, Head of Field Operations at Optus, presenting on Optus’s Power Resiliency Strategy at the Power Resilience Symposium. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Lead researchers Dr Xu Wang and Professor Ren Ping Liu presenting the Secure Multi-Org Data Sharing (SMODS) platform at its six-month milestone demonstration in May 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Attendees presenting at the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Industry Networking Event, July 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Attendees presenting at the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Industry Networking Event, July 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
The LAWIFI team posing in front of the antenna during the six-month demonstration at Fire and Rescue NSW Emergency Services Academy, Orchard Hills, August 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Darren Cooley from Pivotel presenting during the LAWIFI six-month demonstration at the Fire and Rescue NSW Emergency Services Academy, Orchard Hills, August 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Attendees testing the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System during the six-month demonstration at Fire and Rescue NSW Emergency Services Academy, Orchard Hills, August 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Close-up of the LAWIFI system’s antenna during the six-month demonstration at Fire and Rescue NSW Emergency Services Academy, Orchard Hills, August 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
The Southern Cross University campus in Lismore. Photo courtesy: Southern Cross University.
Mary Spongberg, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Southern Cross University, leading a campus tour for attendees of the inaugural Regional Connectivity Symposium 2023 in Lismore, September 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Panel discussion during CIN’s second Australian Beyond 5G Summit with Ian Oppermann, Dr Bo Hagerman (Ericsson), Louise Hyland (AMTA), Dr Wonbin Hong (Pohang University), and Distinguished Professor Jay Guo (CIN and UTS). Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Alison Port, Director of Engineering at the NSW Telco Authority, presenting on Beyond 5G at the Connectivity Innovation Network’s second Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
UTS Broadway campus. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
HAPS is Hot Again by Rohan Pearson, published in Communication Day on 11 October 2023.
Courtesy: Communication Day.
Sydney Conference Mulls Post-5G Future by Rohan Pearson, published in Communication Day on 12 October 2023. Courtesy: Communication Day.
Kylie De Courteney, Managing Director of the NSW Telco Authority, welcoming attendees to the Connectivity Innovation Network’s second Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Dr Bo Hagerman, Director of the Advanced Technology Group at Ericsson, presenting on Ericsson’s Beyond 5G roadmap at CIN’s second Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Dr Xu Wang presenting the Secure Multi-Org Data Sharing (SMODS) platform during its 12-month milestone demonstration. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Dr Xu Wang and CIN Director Dr Ian Oppermann at the SMODS platform’s 12-month demonstration, held at Cicada Innovations on 4 December 2023. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Final demonstration of the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System at Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park (south Sydney), 27 February 2024.
Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
CIN’s Co-Technical Director, Professor Yonghui Li, presenting during the final demonstration of the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System, February 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Attendees testing the reception of the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System during the final demonstration, February 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Final demonstration of the Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi System at Wattamolla Beach, Royal National Park, Sydney. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Charles Sturt University’s Global Digital Farm, May 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
The Large Area Wi-Fi team demonstrating the system at the Regional Connectivity Symposium 2024 in Wagga Wagga. L–R: A/Professor Peiyuan Qin (UTS), Tian Qiu (University of Sydney), Litianyi Zhang (University of Sydney), and Zhaoqi Cui (University of Technology Sydney). Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Jon Medway leading the Global Digital Farm initiative tour for attendees of the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Regional Connectivity Symposium 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Peter Adams (Department of Regional NSW) sharing his perspective on “Regional NSW” at the Regional Connectivity Symposium 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Rania Wannous, Executive Director of Customer and Emergency Management (NSW Telco Authority), presenting on the Authority’s activities in regional NSW, including the Connectivity Index, at the Connectivity Innovation Network’s Regional Connectivity Symposium 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Harriet Mellish (AgriFutures) discussing connectivity in paddocks and on boats at the Regional Connectivity Symposium 2024 in Wagga Wagga. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Superintendent Roger Orr (NSW Rural Fire Service) sharing an emergency services perspective during Our Changing Landscape session. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Jen Medway during a facilitated discussion on connectivity challenges in Wagga Wagga and regional NSW at CIN’s 2024 Regional Connectivity Symposium. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
NSW SES Navshield 2024 campsite. Photo courtesy: Rachel Grindlay.
The Large Area Wi-Fi System at NSW SES Navshield 2024. L–R: Yubo Wen (University of Technology Sydney), William Boyce (NSW State Emergency Service), Sean Kearns ESM (NSW State Emergency Service). Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
CIN’s Technical Director, Distinguished Professor Jay Guo, delivering a presentation on natural hazards to the Official French Fire Management and Natural Hazards Trade Mission during AFAC 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
The Connectivity Innovation Network’s Rapidly Deployable Large Area Wi-Fi (LAWIFI) system on display at the Henty Machinery Field Days 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
CIN’s Digital NSW presence at the NSW Telco Authority’s stand, November 2024. Photo courtesy: Dee Lotrian, NSW Telco Authority.
Professor Mischa Dohler (Ericsson) delivering a keynote presentation on 5G, 6G, AI, AR, and spectrum innovation at the 3rd Annual Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
UTS Broadway campus. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Panel discussion on the challenges of emergency communications and emerging solutions.
L–R: Facilitator Rania Wannous (NSWTA); panellists Mischa Dohler (Ericsson), Peter McKechnie (RFS), Sri Amirthalingam (Telstra), and Louise Hyland (AMTA). Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Louise Hyland, CEO of AMTA, speaking on the importance of mobile connectivity for emerging technologies during the 3rd Annual Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Sri Amirthalingam (Telstra) presenting Telstra’s perspective on 5G during the 3rd Annual Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2024.
Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Professor Min Xu (University of Technology Sydney) presenting on multimedia intelligence at the 3rd Annual Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2024.
Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Professor Pizarro Torres (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile) presenting on 3D-printed antennas for space communications at the 3rd Annual Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2024. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
L–R: Vincent Hochart (Ericsson Australia) and Serkan Aktas (Amalgamotion) during the 3rd Annual Australian Beyond 5G Summit, October 2024.
Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
Jen Medway, General Manager of the Regional Tech Hub and fifth-generation farmer, on her Merino sheep farm.
Photo: © Jen Medway.
Distinguished Professor Jay Guo, CIN’s Technical Director, interviewed on network sensing by German broadcaster Deutsche Welle. Photo: © Connectivity Innovation Network.
L–R: Tricia Wilson (Pivotel), Darren Cooley (Pivotel), Distinguished Professor Jay Guo (CIN and UTS), and Professor Yonghui Li (CIN and USYD), representing CIN’s LAWIFI team from USYD, UTS and Pivotel Satellite at the National iAwards 2024. Photo: © Australian Information Industry Association.
Photo taken by Ian Oppermann near Windorah (QLD)
Photo: © Ian Oppermann