Emergency Services Network (ESN)
UK (National) · 2015-Ongoing (Motorola's contract terminated in 2022, project still ongoing with other suppliers) · £1.29bn (EE contract for mobile services) [78]
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project faced significant delays and cost overruns, leading to a strategic rethink and changes in supplier contracts [80, 84]. - Motorola Solutions' contract for software and systems was terminated in 2022 due to perceived difficulties, with IBM taking over parts of their role [79, 80]. - The importance of robust project management and clear contractual agreements for critical national infrastructure projects. - The challenge of transitioning from a proven legacy system (Airwave) to a new, complex technology (4G LTE) for emergency services.
Key engineering challenges
Replacing the legacy Airwave system with a modern 4G-based network for critical emergency services communications [83]. - Ensuring fast, safe, and secure voice, video, and data across the network for first responders [82]. - Integrating various technologies and systems from multiple suppliers to create a cohesive and reliable network. - Managing the complexities and delays associated with a large-scale, critical national infrastructure project, including supplier changes.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- UK Home Office
- Lead contractor
- EE (for mobile services), IBM (replacing Motorola for systems integration), Motorola Solutions (initial software and systems supplier, contract terminated) [79, 80, 81]
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build; upgrade
- Scale
- Nationwide 4G public safety LTE network for voice and broadband data services [82]
- Disciplines
- Telecommunications engineering; network engineering; systems engineering; public safety communications
- Standards & frameworks
- 3GPP standards for LTE, Home Office requirements for public safety communications.
Sources: [78] TelcoTitans. EE rings up £1.29bn Emergency Services Network deal. https://www.telcotitans.com/btwatch/ee-rings-up-129bn-emergency-services-network-deal/8704.article (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [79] The Register. IBM replaces Motorola on Emergency Services Network upgrade. https://www.theregister.com/on-prem/2025/01/17/ibm-replacing-motorola-on-emergency-services-network-upgrade/ (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [80] UrgentCom. UK Home Office officially cuts ESN ties with Motorola Solutions, but transition work still needed. https://urgentcomm.com/push-to-x/uk-home-office-officially-cuts-esn-ties-with-motorola-solutions-but-transition-work-still-needed (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [81] NPCC. Brief History of ESN. https://www.npcc.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/publications/disclosure-logs/npcc-central-office/2024/419-2024-session-02-brief-history-of-esn-29012025.pdf (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [82] Motorola Solutions. Motorola Solutions chosen for UK's next-generation public safety communication. https://www.motorolasolutions.com/newsroom/press-releases/motorola-solutions-chosen-for-uks-next-generation-public-safety-communicati.html (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [83] Parliament UK. The Emergency Services Network. https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmpubacc/1006/report.html (Accessed: 2026-06-10). [84] National Audit Office. Progress with delivering the Emergency Services Network. https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/progress-with-delivering-the-emergency-services-network/ (Accessed: 2026-06-10).