The department today announces it has set a new
strategic direction for the Emergency Services Network
(ESN) following an in-depth review.
The decision secures the future of ESN, which will save
the public purse £200 million a year once it has fully
replaced the original radio-based network, Airwave.
The new incremental approach means police, fire and
rescue services, ambulance services and other users
will be able to use data services over the network from
early next year, with voice capabilities following soon
after.
It will also leave the emergency services free to test
and choose which ESN products they want as and when
they become available, rather than having to wait for
the network to be fully implemented.
The dedicated 4G network will transform emergency
services’ mobile working, especially in remote areas
and at times of network congestion, with sim cards
giving them priority over commercial users.
Products will include a ‘push-to-talk’ capability for
mobile phones, effectively turning them into emergency
service radios with data capability, a package of
telephone, messaging and data services, and an air to
ground communications app.
ESN also has the potential to enable emergency services
to communicate on the London Underground.
The Home Office is engaging with its commercial
partners, EE and Motorola, regarding future changes to
their contracts.
Further details will be provided to Parliament in due
course.
