'World first' emergency services air-to-ground network to be rolled out
Agreement has been reached to build the “first-ever” 4G LTE (long-term evolution) air-to-ground communications network to support the emergency services across the UK.
The pioneering network will enable uninterrupted, high-speed 4G broadband coverage with a range from 500ft up to 10,000ft above ground.
The project, part of the Home Office programme to deliver the new Emergency Services Network (ESN) critical communications system, is a joint initiative between mobile network operator EE and telecoms company Nokia. They say it will enable mission-critical network coverage for emergency services that will be “the world’s first use case utilising commercial 4G LTE broadband services in its field”.
The 4G LTE air-to-ground network will provide “seamless connectivity” between ground operations and air, connecting people, sensors, aircraft and helicopters with the highest security and reliability.
More than 300,000 frontline emergency service users will depend on the ESN, and the new air-to-ground network is designed to provide uninterrupted communication with airborne colleagues.
The Home Office says the strategic aim of the ESN is to deliver “a much better voice and data service” to the emergency services and will replace the existing “reliable but limited and ageing” Airwave system.
The first trials of the 4G LTE air-to-ground network will take place over the coming months in North Wales and London. These will enable EE, Nokia and the Home Office to test the hardware capability over different terrain, together with the hardware deployment process, the software capability and the operational support of the complete air-to-ground service prior to the roll out of the final network.
EE will be providing the active network equipment for the initial seven site trial network. Following the trial, EE will deploy the network equipment in more than 80 Home Office acquired cell sites across the UK. Nokia will provide design support, network equipment, installation and commissioning services to ensure delivery of the network.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Nokia to build a first-in-class and groundbreaking 4G air-to-ground network for emergency services across the UK,” said Richard Harrap, managing director ESN at EE.
Cormac Whelan, chief executive officer UK and Ireland at Nokia, added that with the help of this “first ever air-to-ground network using commercial LTE”, emergency services personnel will be able to rely on uninterrupted communications nationwide.