TelstraClear to support border control comms

TelstraClear to support border control communications

TelstraClear will provide the New Zealand Customs Service with fully integrated data and voice communications services that enhance Customs’ key role as lead government agency for border control.

TelstraClear announced today it has signed a five-year contract with Customs after being selected through a highly competitive tender process. The integrated services will meet all Customs’ needs now and into the future, with a substantial data network, IP telephony, all voice calling services and mobile communications.

Head of Business & Government Michael Boggs said full integration of these services will build on TelstraClear’s experience in providing Customs with robust wide area data network services over the past nine years. “TelstraClear will now provide one of the most advanced communications technology solutions available to any of the New Zealand’s State agencies,” he said.

Customs Chief Financial Officer John Kyne said the agency was delighted with the outcome of its competitive tender process. “We look forward to all the benefits that will flow from TelstraClear’s innovative solution, which sets the platform for ongoing modernisation of Customs services at the New Zealand border.

“Highly resilient and efficient data and voice communications are critical to our mission, especially with the introduction of systems like SmartGate for automatic processing of in-bound passengers,” said Mr Kyne. “Customs is embarking on a significant programme of system upgrades. TelstraClear has demonstrated strong capabilities to support us with this.”

Mr Boggs said TelstraClear has valuable knowledge, experience and infrastructure in the field of border management and protection, with its other customers including the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and the New Zealand Defence Force.

The solution for Customs will link the 40 sites at which it operates, including airports and other sites where communications are particularly critical. TelstraClear will build substantial redundancy into the links into and out of these core sites, as an additional safeguard against any disruption to communications. It will also provide Customs with unique monitoring and reporting tools for greater transparency and value from the many integrated services that will be provided.

“We’re setting the foundation for higher value, more resilient and flexible communications within Customs, using TelstraClear’s Next IP network and other advanced technologies,” said Mr Boggs.

ENDS

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