Scope
Description
The UK Space Agency (UKSA), on behalf of the Home Office's Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) to participate in a forthcoming Workshop event at explore how existing and emerging technology (including satellite-enabled solutions) could augment the Emergency Services Network (ESN). UKSA and ESMCP are seeking ways to further enhance ESN coverage in remote areas and locations which are challenging to service using standard transmission methods, including exploring the role of satellite connectivity to provide additional reach and resilience.
About UKSA
The UKSA, through its Unlocking Space for Government (USG) programme, is working to harness the UK's space-enabled capabilities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government services and position government to be a proactive, intelligent anchor customer for the space sector. This workshop will bring together government, industry, and specialist stakeholders to identify and shape potential solutions that could extend coverage and resilience in some of Britain's most challenging locations.
About ESN
The Emergency Services Network (ESN) is a government project managed by the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) in the Home Office. ESN will replace Airwave, the current critical communications system used by the emergency services across Great Britain. ESN will use 4G/5G mobile phone signals to enable emergency services access to mission critical voice and data communications, giving first responders immediate access to life-saving data, images and information in live situations and emergencies on the frontline.
ESN investment also delivers mobile network coverage improvements, that allow 999 calls to be made from any 4G enabled mobile device in remote and rural parts of Great Britain where it was not previously possible.
Users of ESN include the 3 Emergency Services (3ES), and other organisations that depend on critical communications, and an estimated 300,000 frontline emergency service users who will depend on ESN; using handheld devices or operating equipment in 45,000 vehicles, over 90 aircraft and 200 control rooms.
ESN will provide additional solutions to enhance coverage and enable ESMCP to leverage advances in the Satcom innovations and positively disruptive capabilities to deliver enhanced capability for the life of the service.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 1 January 2030
- 3 years, 7 months, 1 day
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
9 September 2025
Engagement process description
Workshop Objectives are to:
1. Establish a baseline of candidate capabilities including satellite communications solutions (e.g. LEO / MEO / GEO constellations, non-traditional providers, and hybrid satcom/terrestrial models) that offer feasible and viable solutions to provide enhanced coverage and resilience; and
2. Understand, document, and agree derived User and System Requirements that should be considered/addressed in the Through-Life Capability Management of ESN.
Action and next steps
Interested organisations with innovative satellite or hybrid connectivity solutions are encouraged to register their interest in joining this Workshop event to contribute to the future resilience of the UK's critical emergency communications system.
How to register
To apply, please complete and submit the Workshop registration form outlining your organisation's relevant capabilities and potential contribution within the MS Form
Please note we are using a third party supplier to host this event your submitted details may be shared with them in order to facilitate the running of the workshop. further details of our privacy notice can be found here.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-space-agency-gdpr-privacy-notice
The deadline for submitting applications is 17.00hrs on Thursday 9 September 2025.
Feedback and follow up
All submissions received by the deadline will be reviewed. Places are limited and participants will be selected at the sole discretion of the organisers.
Further details, including the Workshop date, agenda and venue, will be provided to selected participants. The outcomes of the Workshop, including any findings, recommendations, and summary outputs, will be made available to attendees and open to wider industry upon request.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contracting authority
UK Space Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRTY-4245-MTJY
Quad Two Building 1st Floor, Rutherford Avenue, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
Didcot
OX11 0DF
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government