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<p>The new Emergency Services Network (ESN) will provide the dedicated teams who work
so hard protecting the public and saving lives with the most advanced communications
system of its kind anywhere in the world. ESN will be a more capable, more flexible
and more affordable communications network than the existing Airwave mobile radio
system used by the three emergency services in England, Scotland and Wales. While
still delivering mission critical voice communication, it will also provide broadband
data services.</p><p> </p><p>The timelines for ESN are ambitious and this is because
we want to give the emergency services the benefits of the latest technology as soon
as practicable. However the Government is clear that public safety is our priority
and the emergency services will only transition when they are content with the new
ESN service, as the existing Airwave system will continue until transition on to the
ESN is completed.</p><p> </p><p>A formal arrangement has been agreed between the Programme’s
sponsors (including the Home Office) of the police, fire and rescue, ambulance services
of Great Britain, for how any Airwave extension costs beyond the planned National
Shutdown Date (31 December 2019) should be shared between themselves.</p><p> </p><p>We
are working closely with our key stakeholders and suppliers on a revised plan for
delivering ESN. We will have greater clarity on timescales at the end of the year.</p>
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