The UK Space Agency (UKSA), acting on behalf of the Home Office’s Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP), has officially invited industry input to integrate satellite direct-to-device (D2D) technology into the national Emergency Services Network (ESN).
The move aims to leverage Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations to eliminate terrestrial coverage gaps that have plagued the project for over a decade.
Solving the “Final 5%” Coverage Gap
The ESN is intended to replace the aging Airwave TETRA-based radio system with a modern 4G/5G platform provided by EE (BT Group). While terrestrial infrastructure covers most of the population, significant “not-spots” remain in rural and coastal areas.
By utilizing D2D technology, the UKSA hopes to provide emergency personnel with seamless connectivity using standard smartphones, bypassing the need for specialized satellite handsets or external antennas. The integration focuses on Mission-Critical Messaging, SMS and location data in remote locations.
Further, future-proofing for high-bandwidth video and voice-over-LTE via satellite as constellations mature. Providing a redundant backup to terrestrial cell towers during network outages or natural disasters will be a critical component of the project.
Key Contenders and Partnerships
Several major space players are positioned to support the ESN expansion:
- SpaceX (Starlink): Currently the most mature D2C provider. Notably, BT Group (EE’s parent company) signed a broadband agreement with Starlink in 2025, making them a front-runner for any ESN satellite extension.
- AST SpaceMobile: Partnered with Vodafone Group, AST expects to provide “intermittent nationwide” LEO service in 2026, with continuous service planned for later in the year as more BlueBird satellites are deployed.
- Eutelsat OneWeb: The UK-backed LEO operator is also developing D2D capabilities to complement its existing enterprise and government broadband offerings.
Regulatory and Program Milestones
The timing of the UKSA’s request for information coincides with Ofcom’s new regulatory framework, which came into force in late 2025. This framework allows Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to use their existing terrestrial spectrum for satellite-to-phone links, removing legal barriers for a 2026 commercial launch.
However, the ESN project itself remains a “high-risk” endeavor. Originally slated for 2017, the full transition from Airwave is now not expected until December 2029, with total program costs estimated to exceed £11 billion.
Looking Ahead
The Home Office is currently finalizing a £1.11 billion framework for ESN-compliant end-user devices, which is expected to be awarded in summer 2026. These devices will likely be the first to feature the integrated satellite-terrestrial roaming capabilities currently being explored by the UKSA.
