Insights
Driving Smarter Freight: How the Orion Network is Supporting Australian Transport Operators
17 December 2025Australia’s transport industry operates across some of the most remote and challenging terrain in the world. From long-haul freight routes to regional delivery runs, operators face the ongoing challenge of keeping drivers connected, informed and safe; often in areas where mobile coverage is unreliable or non-existent.
As the industry evolves, so too do its communication needs. While UHF CB radios remain a practical tool for short-range driver-to-driver contact, many operators are now looking for more scalable, integrated solutions that support fleet-wide coordination, compliance and operational visibility. The Orion Network, operated by CSE Crosscom, is one such solution — offering wide-area digital radio coverage designed specifically for Australian conditions.
Meeting the Communication Demands of Modern Freight
Driver communication is no longer just about convenience, but about enabling real-time decision-making, ensuring safety and maintaining control over increasingly complex operations. Mobile phones, while widely used, present safety challenges and rely on public networks that can be patchy in regional and remote areas. CB radios, though still fit for purpose in many scenarios, don’t offer the reach or functionality needed for large-scale fleet coordination.
Transport operators are now seeking systems that provide consistent coverage, instant voice access and the ability to connect multiple users simultaneously. These requirements are driving a shift toward wide-area digital radio networks, and the Orion Network is leading that shift.
The Orion Network: Built for Australian Freight
The Orion Network is Australia’s largest digital two-way radio network, powered by Motorola Solutions’ MOTOTRBO™ Capacity Max technology. It connects radio sites across the country via base station repeaters, forming a robust and scalable platform for long-distance communication.
For fleets, Orion offers several practical advantages:
- Coverage extends well beyond mobile networks, ensuring drivers remain reachable even in remote areas.
- Communication is instant and secure, with support for one-to-one and one-to-many calls. Making it ideal for dispatch coordination and fleet-wide updates.
- The network supports encrypted voice and data, helping protect sensitive operational information.
- GPS tracking is integrated into the system, giving operations teams real-time visibility into vehicle locations.
Together, this enables smarter route planning, faster response to delays or incidents, and better overall fleet performance.
Motorola Solutions Radios: Practical Tools for the Road
CSE Crosscom supplies and supports a range of Motorola Solutions radios that are compatible with the Orion Network. These include mobile radios installed in trucks, offering high-power transmission and integrated location services, and hand-held radios used by depot staff and support teams.
Designed for transport environments, these radios are rugged, intuitive and compliant with Australian road safety laws. For drivers, key features include hands-free operation, clear audio in noisy environments and emergency alert capabilities. These functions help drivers stay focused on the road while remaining connected to dispatch and support teams — without the distractions or limitations of mobile phones.
By selecting the right mix of mobile and portable radios, operators can create a communication system that supports both on-road and depot-based roles, with seamless integration across the fleet.
Real-World Benefits for Transport Operators
The shift to wide-area digital radio isn’t just about upgrading hardware, it’s about enabling better outcomes across the business.
Dispatchers can communicate instantly with drivers, reroute vehicles in response to changing conditions, and coordinate deliveries with greater precision. This reduces delays, improves load planning and enhances responsiveness.
Drivers benefit from clearer, safer communication. With hands-free operation and reliable coverage, they can receive instructions without distraction and trigger emergency alerts if needed. The system also supports lone worker protection, adding another layer of safety for remote operations.
Operations teams gain visibility into fleet movements through integrated GPS tracking. This supports proactive decision-making, helps reduce fuel consumption and maintenance costs, and enables more accurate reporting.
The Orion Network is also designed to scale. Whether you’re operating a small regional fleet or managing hundreds of vehicles across multiple states, the system grows with your business. And because it operates independently of public mobile networks, it offers resilience in areas where cellular coverage is limited or congested.
Connecting Australia’s Transport Network
In an industry where coordination, safety and responsiveness are critical, communication is more than a support function, it’s a strategic asset. The Orion Network, delivered by CSE Crosscom and powered by Motorola Solutions, offers Australian trucking operators a reliable, scalable platform for wide-area communication.
For operators looking to move beyond fragmented systems and build a more integrated, future-ready communication strategy, Orion provides the coverage, clarity and control needed to drive smarter freight.
To learn more about Orion Network solutions for your fleet, contact CSE Crosscom today.
