Mobile network operator EE have agreed a contract with the Government to provide 4g networks to emergency services in the UK, as part of the Government’s Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP). The Emergency Services Network (ESN) was announced April 2014 and isn’t to commence until 2017, when current contracts expire.
EE’s 4g network will replace the current TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) system, which makes use of radio and walkie-talkies.
The service will provide voice and broadband data to over 300,000 front-line emergency service staff in the Police, Fire and Ambulance sectors, as well as 300 other non-critical organisations.
Olaf Swantee, CEO of EE said: “We are immensely proud to be selected to deliver this vital new network for Britain’s Emergency Services. We’ve worked closely with the Police and Ambulance crews to show the power of 4G in helping save time and save lives. We will now work tirelessly to deliver a highly resilient, truly nationwide 4G network to serve all of Britain’s Blue Light and First Responder teams across the UK.”
This contract follows the news that EE are to merge with BT, after the move was cleared by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
EE will work alongside Kellogg Brown & Root Limited (KBR) and Motorola in the design and delivery of the system.