Key Takeaways
- Satellite phone services, including SpaceX’s Starlink platform, may be used to enhance Britain’s Emergency Services Network (ESN) project
- The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is seeking input on how direct-to-device services delivered from satellites in low Earth orbit can improve coverage for emergency services personnel
- Starlink has an existing agreement with BT Group’s EE subsidiary, making it a strong candidate for any satellite extension to ESN
- The ESN project has been delayed and is now expected to be delivered no earlier than December 2029
- Other satellite operators, such as AST SpaceMobile and Eutelsat, are also developing direct-to-device services
Introduction to the Emergency Services Network (ESN) Project
The Emergency Services Network (ESN) project in Britain has been plagued by delays and is now expected to be delivered no earlier than December 2029, a full decade later than originally planned. The project aims to replace the aging Airwave system currently used by the Police, Fire and Rescue, and Ambulance services, which is based on legacy TETRA technology. The new system will use EE’s commercial 4G and 5G infrastructure, with smartphones as the endpoint device, and will provide modern video and data services, as well as the ability to emulate push-to-talk radio.
The Role of Satellite Phone Services in ESN
To address the gaps in coverage provided by terrestrial network technology, the UK Space Agency (UKSA) has invited interested parties to provide input on how direct-to-device services delivered from satellites in low Earth orbit can enhance the ESN project. This technology has the potential to ensure that emergency services personnel stay connected wherever they are in the country, even in remote areas where standard transmission methods are challenging. SpaceX’s Starlink platform is one of the satellite operators that could play a part in this, given its developed direct-to-cell services, which are currently being sold with T-Mobile in the US and Kyivstar in Ukraine, among others.
Starlink’s Agreement with BT Group
Starlink has an existing agreement with BT Group’s EE subsidiary, signed last year, to provide broadband services to UK customers. This makes it a strong candidate for any satellite extension to ESN. Although Starlink’s direct-to-cell services are currently limited to sending text messages and location information, with data and voice capabilities planned for the future, this may not be a significant limitation at present, given the ESN project’s delays. The UK government has already awarded IBM a contract worth more than a billion pounds to deliver the User Services for ESN, while EE’s cellular network provides the underpinning physical infrastructure.
Other Satellite Operators and Their Plans
Starlink is not the only satellite operator developing direct-to-device services. AST SpaceMobile plans similar capabilities and has signed up Vodafone Group as a partner in Europe, although services have yet to be announced. Eutelsat is also understood to be working on direct-to-device services via its OneWeb LEO satellites. These developments could potentially provide alternative solutions for enhancing the ESN project, although Starlink’s existing agreement with BT Group’s EE subsidiary gives it a significant advantage.
The History of the ESN Project and Its Delays
The ESN project has a complex history, with numerous delays and changes in contractors. The original contract to develop ESN was awarded to Motorola Solutions in 2015, but the company was later found to be abusing its position to push up prices for Airwave services. A price cap was imposed, and the Home Office and Motorola agreed to terminate its contract to deliver the new ESN in January 2023. IBM replaced Motorola, and the project is now expected to be delivered no earlier than December 2029. The use of satellite phone services, such as Starlink, could potentially help to mitigate some of the challenges faced by the project, although it remains to be seen how these services will be integrated into the ESN.
Conclusion
The use of satellite phone services, including SpaceX’s Starlink platform, could potentially play a significant role in enhancing Britain’s Emergency Services Network (ESN) project. The UK Space Agency’s invitation for input on how direct-to-device services delivered from satellites in low Earth orbit can improve coverage for emergency services personnel is a positive step towards addressing the gaps in coverage provided by terrestrial network technology. With the ESN project’s delays and changes in contractors, it remains to be seen how these services will be integrated into the project, but the potential benefits of improved coverage and connectivity for emergency services personnel make it an exciting development to watch.