![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
After a long period of uncertainty about which supplier will get the government contract to deliver the Emergency Services Network that will replace the ageing Airwave system, the Home Office has announced that it is partnering with tech giant IBM and that the Policing and Fire Minister will be chairing regular meetings to boost momentum.
As the new user services supplier, IBM will be responsible for leading the design, build and system integration of the ESN platform. Key to achieving this will be IBM’s delivery of IT infrastructure, which will be fundamental to ensuring improved and more efficient communication capabilities for mission-critical services, the Home Office has said.
After several delays to the rollout of ESN over recent years, the government says it is committing to delivering the project as quickly as possible and help save lives as a result. The Policing Minister, Dame Diana Johnson, will chair regular meetings to ensure the project is running to time and cost.
“This government is working tirelessly to support this project, making sure it is delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner, and IBM will be an important part of bringing the Emergency Services Network online.”
Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson.
IBM will be delivering ESN together with partners including: Samsung Electronics, Ericsson, Frequentis, Exponential-E and Palo Alto Networks.
This announcement follows news last month that the government had signed a contract with BT which owns telecomms company EE to deliver the mobile devices for ESN.
