Neutral host provider selected to deliver 4G mobile network infrastructure to enable Emergency Services Network across London Underground, supporting delivery of a critical national comms programmeIn a significant move towards enhancing public safety and emergency response, Boldyn Networks has been entrusted with the task of delivering a 4G mobile network infrastructure for the Emergency Services Network (ESN) for London Underground. This development is part of Boldyn’s 20-year concession to provide high-speed mobile connectivity across the entire transport network, a commitment that began in June 2021 when Transport for London (TfL) awarded the contract to the neutral host provider.
The London Underground, a bustling network that caters to up to four million passengers daily, has long recognized the need for a robust and future-ready communications network. The upgrade is not just a technological advancement, but a critical step towards improving the city’s public safety communications. It aims to enhance response times and provide high-quality information to emergency services personnel dealing with live incidents.
Boldyn Networks is not working alone on this ambitious project. They are collaborating with EE, a leading UK mobile provider, TfL, and the UK’s Home Office. The primary objective is to ensure more resilient and reliable communication services for thousands of first responders, including police, fire, and ambulance services.
The ESN, however, has had its share of challenges since its inception. The £2bn network project has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. In 2015, the UK Home Office contracted suppliers to replace the existing and popular Airwave terrestrial trunked radio (Tetra) network, which was used by all 108 police, fire, and ambulance services across England, Scotland, and Wales for communication between the field and control rooms.
The Home Office, as part of its Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP), intended for ESN to fully replace Airwave, be less expensive, and provide users with access to modern mobile data. The government had planned to decommission Airwave in 2019. In the same year, the Home Office contracted BT-owned EE to provide priority access to its mobile network and increase network coverage. It also contracted Motorola Solutions UK for software and systems, including critical features not typically found on a mobile network, such as a unique “push-to-talk” functionality.
However, the project faced numerous delays and criticism, particularly concerning the role of Motorola Solutions. This led to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launching an investigation into the role of the Airwave network in the ESN in October 2021. The focus was on the impact of Motorola’s dual role as the owner of the company providing the planned new mobile radio network and as a key existing supplier. In May 2023, the CMA recommended restricting how much Motorola can charge the emergency services to use Airwave.
Despite the challenges, the commitment to enhancing the communication infrastructure for emergency services remains strong. The collaboration between Boldyn Networks, EE, TfL, and the UK’s Home Office is a testament to this commitment. The upgrade is not just about technology; it’s about ensuring that those who are at the forefront of emergency response have the best tools at their disposal. It’s about making London a safer city for everyone.
