Motorola has put its hand up to build a radio network in a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Government that would be used by all state-sector agencies, but says it would probably cost even more than the $150 million touted by police two years ago.

Communications Minister Steven Joyce told a conference in Wellington – sponsored by Motorola – that the Government was likely to go to tender for the network during the first three months of next year, if a two-stage business case was approved by Cabinet. The project will next be considered by ministers next month.

Motorola Australia managing director Gary Starr said he understood there would be a "natural inclination to buy locally" but the United States company could be willing to source radios from Christchurch manufacturer Tait Electronics. It could also potentially partner with digital radio network operator Kordia or with Wellington-based rival TeamTalk, whose chief executive David Ware has criticised the proposed shared network as "gold-plated" and a possible waste of taxpayers' money.

Source: Stuff.co.nz