- Ericsson, in collaboration with IBM, is set to deliver a new network to transform frontline emergency services in Great Britain
- The project will utilize products and solutions from Ericsson’s Core Network, and Business and Operations Support Systems portfolios, alongside its mission-critical expertise and other professional services to deliver the new network
- The Emergency Service Network will coordinate efforts and responses from frontline staff, making the UK’s streets safer and delivering on the UK government’s Plan for Change
- 300,000 personnel will benefit from data, imagery, location reports and public safety information
Ericsson has announced a new partnership with IBM UK to develop a new communications network for frontline emergency services. Ericsson will leverage its Core Network, and Business and Operations Support Systems portfolios, alongside its mission-critical expertise and other professional services to deliver the new network.
The Emergency Services Network (ESN) will support more than 300,000 emergency responders in Great Britain, providing them with better technology and faster access to data in emergency situations and frontline operations.
Police forces, fire services and ambulance trusts will be able to share live data and imagery, location reports and essential public safety information as they work on time-critical rescue and response efforts.
Providing the emergency services with improved technology is a key part of the UK government’s drive to make the nation’s streets safer, which is a crucial part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.
Rahul Kalia, Managing Partner at IBM UK and Ireland, said:
"We are proud to support the Emergency Services Network (ESN) in delivering a secure and resilient communications platform to empower frontline emergency services.
“Working with our ecosystem partners, we will deliver mission-critical services for first responders to enhance safety in our communities across Great Britain.
“We look forward to working with the Government to deliver this in a timely and cost-effective manner."
Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson UK & Ireland, said:
"We're thrilled to participate in this world-leading project that will transform public safety and national security across the UK. Leveraging our global expertise in telecommunications and mission-critical networks, we are proud to contribute to the creation of a next-generation Emergency Services Network that will redefine global standards for emergency response systems. This cutting-edge technology will enhance the efficiency and safety of our emergency responders, enabling them to work more effectively and ultimately, save lives."
Led by the Home Office, ESN will implement the next generation of fast, safe, and secure voice, video, and data communication, allowing emergency services to work in tandem and coordinate efforts when protecting and aiding members of the public. Similar technology has already been rolled out with success in countries including the USA, Canada and South Korea.
As the new User Services supplier, IBM will be responsible for leading the design, build and system integration of the ESN platform. Key to achieving this will be IBM’s delivery of IT infrastructure, which will be fundamental to ensuring improved and more efficient communication capabilities for Mission Critical Services.
The news comes swiftly after EE was awarded the contract to provide the mobile communications infrastructure for the project, as the new government works towards deploying ESN and shutting down the current system, Airwave.
