- IBM wins contract to upgrade UK ESN
- EE will provide the project’s mobile communications infrastructure
- Similar projects have already been deployed in the United States, Canada and South Korea.
The Home Office has confirmed it will use IBM to deliver Britain’s Emergency Services Network (ESN), including police, firefighters and ambulances.
The move will give more than 300,000 first responders faster access to data, real-time video and secure voice communications.
By sharing live data, images and location updates, emergency service workers will be able to effectively coordinate their support, which could help speed up responses and reduce wait times.
IBM chosen as emergency services network partner
Police Minister Dame Diana Johnson is expected to oversee the project to ensure it remains on track following several delays to the ESN rollout in the run-up to this announcement.
“This government is working tirelessly to support this project, ensuring it is delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner, and IBM will play an important role in bringing the emergency services network online,” said Johnson.
The ad highlights an example in which responders to a serious road accident could send their exact GPS location to other services. Fire departments would then be able to identify the vehicle model to prepare necessary cutting equipment or to understand the location of electric vehicle batteries, while paramedics would have faster access to patient data , such as their medical history.
ESN has been described as the “next generation of fast, safe and secure voice, video and data communications” that “[allows] emergency services must work in tandem and coordinate efforts. Countries like the United States, Canada and South Korea have already deployed similar systems.
Rahul Kalia, Managing Director of IBM UK and Ireland, added: “Working with our ecosystem partners, we will provide mission-critical services for first responders to improve the safety of our communities across Great Britain. »
In a separate announcement, IBM confirmed that the ESN contract would last for seven years, with an option to extend for two years. Ecosystem partners will include Samsung Electronics, Ericsson, Frequentis, Exponential-e and Palo Alto Networks.
The Home Office also confirmed that EE had won the contract to provide the project’s mobile communications infrastructure.
