IBM and Ericsson to Deliver Key Elements for the UK ESN

IBM and Ericsson will deliver key elements of a fresh emergency services network (ESN) in the UK. The Swedish vendor stated that more than 300,000 emergency services personnel are set to benefit from its partnership with IBM, and pledging the companies would provide fast access to essential information regarding critical situations.

Ericsson’s involvement spans its core network, BSS, and OSS portfolios, along with broader expertise in the field of mission-critical communications and professional services. Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson UK and Ireland, promised to deliver an ESN that will redefine global standards for emergency response systems.

IBM’s contribution involves the integration of mobile systems and services, providing a dedicated 4G and standalone 5G core network and related IT infrastructure, customer support services, and a 3GPP-compliant element covering mission-critical services. Rahul Kalia, IBM’s UK and Ireland managing partner, said the companies would enhance safety while committing to deliver the set-up in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Ericsson explained that emergency services would be able to share live data and imagery, location reports, and essential public safety information. It noted that technology to achieve these goals is already in use in the US, Canada, and South Korea. The vendor noted that the deal was worked out a little more than a month after EE won a seven-year, £1.3 billion contract to run the service.