IBM and Ericsson have joined forces to enhance the United Kingdom’s Emergency Services Network (ESN), aiming to provide improved connectivity and mission-critical communication services to over 300,000 emergency personnel across the country.
This collaboration follows BT’s consumer division, EE, securing a seven-year £1.3 billion contract to operate the network, which includes delivering advanced solutions for emergency response. The partnership between Ericsson and IBM is designed to ensure rapid access to vital information, enabling emergency services to respond effectively in critical situations.
Ericsson’s role in the project involves leveraging its expertise in core network infrastructure, Business Support Systems (BSS), Operational Support Systems (OSS), and its deep experience in mission-critical communications. Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson UK and Ireland, emphasized that this initiative would set “global standards for emergency response systems.”
IBM will integrate mobile systems and services into the network, providing essential infrastructure for a dedicated 4G and 5G core network, as well as supporting mission-critical services compliant with 3GPP standards. Additionally, IBM will offer IT infrastructure and customer support services.
The network upgrade is designed to allow emergency services to share critical data, including live imagery, location tracking, and other vital public safety information. The technology utilized by the partnership has already been successfully deployed in countries like the United States, Canada, and South Korea, underscoring its reliability in high-stakes environments.
Rahul Kalia, IBM’s managing partner for the UK and Ireland, highlighted the importance of delivering the ESN in a “timely and cost-effective manner” while ensuring the highest levels of safety for emergency teams.
This strategic collaboration marks a significant step in the ongoing modernization of the UK’s emergency communication infrastructure, with the intention of providing first responders with the most advanced tools to save lives and ensure public safety.
