Excelerate’s European Space Agency-funded Hybrid Connex Programme Pilot Trial for East of England Ambulance Service Shows Positive Early Results

Excelerate Technology announced that its European Space Agency-funded Hybrid Connex research and development programme has unveiled promising early results from its pilot trial conducted at the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST). The groundbreaking technology, which surpasses 4G limitations, has showcased robust connectivity for ambulance crews and vehicles, even in areas where traditional cellular networks face extreme challenges.

Excelerate has been delivering fully integrated and ‘hybrid’ connectivity solutions, bonding satellite, cellular and WIFI for the first responder sector, utilities and Government organisations for more than 20 years. The pilot trial results were presented at the Emergency Services Show in September and the Ambulance Leadership Forum in October 2023. EEAST, as the first ambulance service to pilot this cutting-edge technology, has reported positive reviews from staff, highlighting improved connectivity and support for safe non-conveyance of patients to hospitals.

Hybrid Connex integrates advanced software, state-of-the-art hardware, and cellular and satellite services into a comprehensive package, creating a resilient, permanent connectivity solution. This innovative approach seamlessly combines 4G, 5G, and satellite connections, ensuring ambulance crews have fast, reliable connectivity, even in remote or challenging areas. The unobtrusive hardware allows for a quick technical fit-out in a single day, minimising downtime for the vehicles.

With the advent of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology and widespread 4G/5G coverage, access to hybrid connectivity has become critical for effective remote communications. The Hybrid Connex solution leverages satellite services as a backup, ensuring connectivity remains available even when cellular networks fail, a crucial advantage during large-scale incidents.

Funded by a €5.7m grant from the European Space Agency (ESA), emergency services connectivity specialist Excelerate Technology is leading a consortium of partners to deliver Hybrid Connex, including NHS AGEM, Livewire, Satellite Applications Catapult and Vodafone.