BT Group has secured a significant GBP 1.29 billion contract with the Home Office to provide mobile services for the UK’s Emergency Services Network (ESN) for the next seven years.
The contract will help ensure the ESN delivers fast, secure communications for emergency responders nationwide, including police, fire, ambulance, and rescue services.
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Strengthening Emergency Response with 4G Connectivity
The ESN is designed to give first responders priority access to voice, video, and data services over the 4G mobile network. This enables vital communication during emergencies, even in remote areas or when other networks are congested. The network is crucial for enabling efficient, life-saving operations on the ground and in the air during critical situations.
With more than 300,000 users, the ESN requires a reliable, high-performance network. Under the new agreement, BT will continue to build, maintain, and enhance the mobile coverage needed for the network’s rollout. This will include improving service availability across EE’s 4G Radio Access Network (RAN) and expanding connectivity to areas with traditionally weaker signals.
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A Long-Term Commitment to Public Safety
BT has long partnered with the ESN, and the new contract further strengthens its continued commitment to the project. Bas Burger, CEO of BT Business, commented, “BT Group has been a longstanding partner for Britain’s Emergency Services Network (ESN). We’re proud to double down on this commitment today by broadening the scope of our agreement with the Home Office until 2032 and beyond—as the Government takes ESN from build through to delivery and operation of this critical network. Essential public services like these depend on a rock-solid digital foundation. Through our award-winning EE mobile network, we’ll continue to play a central part in delivering mission-critical, trusted communications for the Emergency Services on the ground, in the air, and wherever they need to operate—helping them connect for good and protect the communities they serve nationwide.”
The expanded partnership with the Home Office will see BT playing a central role in the network’s growth and development, helping first responders connect more effectively and protect communities nationwide. This contract ensures that ESN will continue to be a vital tool for first responders as the UK works towards fully implementing the 4G-based communications platform by 2032 and beyond.
As BT enhances the network’s coverage and infrastructure, emergency services will have improved connectivity that supports faster decision-making and more coordinated responses.
The new GBP 1.29 billion contract underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing the UK’s emergency services infrastructure and providing a secure, reliable platform for first responders to communicate effectively in life-threatening situations.
