Implications of UK emergency services radio network facing delays

“Despite setbacks, the public safety industry should continue to work towards making 4G the long-term answer for the UKs Emergency Services Network (ESN). The technology has already revolutionised the commercial sector and can have the same impact on the UK’s outdated public safety infrastructure."

“Developing high-speed 4G communications will provide medical, fire and police departments with the tools to help them respond faster and more effectively. These include the sharing of interactive digital images of the disaster area or crime scene, with multi-angles enabling faster situation analysis and improved reaction time. LTE bands also open up the possibility of receiving live video streams from other resources, such as air units and helmet cameras. These allow officers based elsewhere on the site to receive a complete view of the scene and react accordingly."

“To get a 4G network that will meet the strict requirements of government and health and safety bodies alike is an enormous task. The next step is to look at creating an ecosystem of complementary technologies to ensure that the ESN is rolled out as rapidly and cost effectively as possible.”