KEY POINTS:
A local software company is developing a new technology which they claim will massively improve government responses in disasters and national emergencies.
The IP-based technology from TeamTalk Ltd, called P25, allows agencies to talk directly to each other when required, while providing much greater security and privacy.
"P25 has benefits for a range of central and local government agencies - particularly emergency services, which need to be able to communicate with each other in cases of major disasters or national emergencies", the company claims in a statement.
"However these organisations also need to be able to communicate privately the rest of the time - and P25 ensures their calls and data are encrypted and can't be overheard by anyone outside the organisation", said TeamTalk managing director David Ware.
"Over time we can see this being valuable to agencies such as Ambulance, Fire Service, Police, the Ministry of Fisheries, Justice and other government agencies, as well as private organisations like high-end security companies, energy retailers and port companies."
P25 technology is standards-based and supports handsets from a variety of manufacturers including Motorola and Tait Electronics.
TeamTalk says the P25 network is operating in Wellington and is in the final stages of testing. The company plans to introduce the new technology throughout the country.