The Western Australian Police Force has spent $3.5 million on Starlink data services as part of a move to “unify” its multiple connectivity networks.
Named the ‘anywhere communications project’, the program will see Starlink reseller Vocus supply data services to 122 remote police stations and 550 vehicles across the state.
WA Police first announced an $8.5 million investment in Starlink equipment and services last year. A WA Police spokesperson said the new agreement “compliments” last year’s contract.
The Starlink rollout was unveiled after a successful three-month technology trial by officers working from isolated police stations, and also by Water Police.
Vehicles equipped with Starlink include WA Police’s regional fleet and part of its specialised fleet that may be deployed regionally.
In addition, the project aims to integrate the Starlink low-earth orbit satellite system with 4G and cable network systems.
Through this, WA Police is hoping to deliver “more resilient and reliable communications”.
“This [LEO] satellite technology can provide an additional and important element of safety for responding officers,” a WA Police spokesperson said.
“Through its high-speed transmission, officers can access vital information with minimal delay including intelligence relating to the movement of people, vehicles and goods, as well as the background of persons of interest to identify potential threats more quickly and efficiently.”
The contract will last for one year, with a final expiry of November 10 2026.
WA Police has spent the past two years reorganising, simplifying and elevating its Technology function and capabilities, and will now support that with a suite of new ICT services and skills.
Last month it also issued “one of Australia’s largest ICT tenders” to source “hundreds of millions of dollars” of IT and application services.