The UK’s Home Office has officially chosen IBM to lead the development of a modern communications network for the country’s emergency services. Th

IBM Wins £895M Contract to Transform UK Emergency Services Network with Real-Time Solutions

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2025-01-18 14:00:08

The UK’s Home Office has officially chosen IBM to lead the development of a modern communications network for the country’s emergency services. This decision follows previous delays by earlier suppliers in delivering the Emergency Services Network (ESN).

The ESN is intended to support over 300,000 emergency responders across Great Britain, including police, fire, and ambulance services in England, Scotland, and Wales. The announcement marks a significant step toward replacing the aging Airwave radio system with a more advanced, resilient network.

These features are expected to provide critical, real-time information to first responders, aiding in life-saving operations and improving coordination.

While financial terms of IBM’s deal with the Home Office remain undisclosed, it was reported by The Telegraph last month that IBM’s contract is valued at approximately £895 million ($1.1 billion).

This follows BT Group’s recent £1.29 billion ($1.67 billion) contract to deliver mobile services for the ESN over the next seven years. Together, these contracts signify the government’s commitment to bringing the long-delayed project to fruition.