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Written question asked by Alex Brewer (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 (named day). It was answered by Sarah Jones (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 December 2025 on behalf of the Home Office.

Emergency Services Network

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the Emergency Services Network will be fully operational, including phone-based location tracking capabilities for emergency responders.

Answer

The programme’s priority is to achieve the right balance between credible plans that have user confidence and the need to deliver ESN as quickly and safely as possible to enable the shutdown of Airwave.

The Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) has successfully concluded two major re-procurements. In November 2024, the Mobile Services contract was awarded to BT/EE, followed by the award of the User Services contract to IBM in December 2024. With these committed delivery partners firmly on board, ESMCP has made excellent progress into full delivery mode.

The programme has finalised a revised Programme Business Case, which has been endorsed by the Senior Users of the three Emergency Services and representatives from the devolved nations. The Business Case is expected to complete departmental and HM Treasury approvals in early 2026. Our user community remains actively engaged in planning the deployment and rollout of the Emergency Services Network (ESN) and ensuring a safe transition from Airwave. Early adoption of a service-ready solution is on track for early 2028, with full transition from Airwave targeted for completion by the end of 2029.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
95578
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Emergency services network
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk