Broadband  |  2025-01-15

Frequentis and IBM Join Forces on UK Emergency Services Network

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

IBM selected as supplier for major new network to connect emergency services communications


Frontline emergency services will benefit from a new communications network (3GPP MCX services)
that will modernise how they work together, as the UK government announces a new partnership with
IBM following a series of delays by previous suppliers.
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.
IBM will be delivering together with a range of partners including Frequentis, Samsung Electronics,
Ericsson, Exponential-E, and Palo Alto Networks.

"We are proud to support the Emergency Services Network in delivering a secure and resilient
communications platform to empower frontline emergency services” said Rahul Kalia, Managing
Partner, IBM Consulting UK and Ireland. “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.”

Led by the Home Office, ESN will implement the next generation of fast, safe, and secure voice, video,
and data communications, 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

.
“We are thrilled to be working with IBM and the Emergency Services Mobile Communications
Programme, to deliver solutions for user services for the Emergency Services Network”, says Robert
Nitsch, Frequentis Vice President Public Safety.