CiFi & Omnitouch set to transform disaster resilience

with ‘Islands’ of Cellular Connectivity

5th of May, 2024

CiFi Pty Ltd, operators of networks in Australian external territories, in partnership with Omnitouch, a highly innovative Australian mobile network builder, has been awarded funding to provide the new “Archipelago” solution in Australia. The grant comes as part of the Australian Government’s $656 million ‘Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia’.

The Archipelago Project takes its name from the work that Omnitouch has carried out in Alaska, providing connections across the Aleutian Chain of islands (Archipelago). Here, extreme weather and remoteness combine to provide the ultimate testing ground for the resiliency of any cellular network.

Archipelago utilises the same technology currently in production in Alaska but adapts it into a folding, transportable ‘Island’ of connectivity, that can be rapidly deployed to replace local towers in emergency situations and disaster-stricken areas. Each ‘Island’ can operate standalone, or in tandem with other ‘Islands’ to create a wider geographical spread of connectivity. Each ‘Island’ has its own satellite link, but uniquely, each can continue to function locally even if connectivity to the outside world is lost (for example due to fiber cuts, power failures or satellite coverage being impacted by rain/smoke/snowfall). This is due to the entirely standalone core network and IMS, allowing for calls, text and websites to be locally routed, even if a community becomes cut off from the wider communications network. 

Crucially, these sites support Triple-Zero calling and Cell Broadcast from any operator, even if their local network is down, and can provide 4G/5G services to the community and first responders, even if backhaul is lost. “Omnitouch has already successfully implemented this technology in Alaska, one of the most geographically remote and challenging environments in the world. This technology was developed by our Australian team, and we’re stoked to work with CiFi to deploy this here in our own backyard” states Nick Jones, head of Core for Omnitouch.

Recognising that 4G/5G service is only one part of keeping people connected, each Archipelago ‘Island’ also contains a WiFi Hotspot, lockable device charging pigeon holes, phone booth and off-grid power system, enabling the community to engage with these Islands directly.

CiFi operates networks on Australia's external territories of Christmas Island and Norfolk Island, however the use of the Archipelago ‘Islands’ is not limited to these areas. Community groups or agencies wishing to evaluate the units funded under this scheme are encouraged to reach out to trial them in different disaster areas. The delivery of the first units for demonstration is scheduled for late this year.  

About CiFi

CiFi's mobile and internet networks, combined with the capacity of the Vocus ASC subsea cable, have transformed how Christmas Island's community stays connected with the wider world. Residents have welcomed this upgraded connectivity, effectively bridging the digital gap that persisted for years.

CiFi boasts the island's most expansive mobile network, not only as the largest but also as the sole provider of 4G/5G services. Engineered and implemented by our dedicated in-house teams, CiFi's network blankets even the most remote jungle territories and extends seamlessly over the surrounding seas. This connectivity ensures that residents, tourists, and rescue organisations remain linked throughout the entirety of the island.

Christmas Island is home to one of the most tropical & humid climates on the planet, with regular extreme weather events. In 4 years of operation, the CiFi network has been the only network to constantly achieve four nines uptime (99.99% availability) during weather events - a testament to CiFi’s ability to design & operate extremely reliable networks.

About Omnitouch

Omnitouch designs, builds and operates cellular networks in areas off the beaten path, all around the world, with networks covering tropical islands, the jungles of central America to the remote icy reaches of Alaska. 

At Omnitouch our team lives for the challenge of connecting the unconnected, making communications accessible for all - no matter how remote.

Our unique subscription-style Mobile-Network-as-a-Service is a turnkey mobile network solution including the RAN, Packet Core, IMS and Charging, serving as a one-stop-shop to enable operators to offer full mobile voice, SMS and data services.

Press Contact

For more information, please see the links below or contact Victoria McConachy: victoria@omnitouch.com.au

CiFi: https://cifi.com.au/

Omnitouch: https://www.omnitouchns.com/