TL;DR
The UK Space Agency is seeking input on using low Earth orbit direct-to-device satellite services to augment the country's Emergency Services Network (ESN). The move would aim to fill coverage holes in remote or hard-to-reach locations as the long-delayed ESN continues toward a revised delivery date of no earlier than December 2029.
What happened
Acting for the Home Office's Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme, the UK Space Agency has invited stakeholders to explore how direct-to-device services from low Earth orbit satellites could support the Emergency Services Network. The consultation seeks ideas on how satellite links and related technologies might supplement EE's planned 4G/5G-based ESN to keep police, fire and ambulance personnel connected in areas where conventional terrestrial transmission is inadequate. SpaceX's Starlink is highlighted in reporting as the most mature provider of direct-to-cell capability today — currently offering limited text and location services in partnership deals overseas, with broader data and voice features described as planned. The ESN project itself has been repeatedly delayed and is now not expected to be delivered before December 2029. The UK government has already contracted IBM for user services and EE (BT Group) is set to provide the commercial network layer.
Why it matters
- Emergency services rely on continuous connectivity; satellite links could reduce blackout zones in remote or difficult terrain.
- Integrating satellite direct-to-device tech would change the resilience model for ESN, supplementing commercial 4G/5G coverage.
- The ESN programme has faced long delays and high scrutiny; alternative delivery options could affect timelines, costs and procurement choices.
- Adopting LEO satellite services may introduce new technical and regulatory considerations for interoperability and security.
Key facts
- The UK Space Agency issued a request for input on direct-to-device LEO satellite services for ESN, on behalf of the Home Office's ESMCP.
- The proposal focuses on augmenting terrestrial coverage in remote areas and locations hard to service with standard transmission methods.
- Starlink is noted as the most developed direct-to-cell operator, currently offering text and location messaging in commercial partnerships; data and voice are stated as planned.
- Delivery of the ESN is now expected no earlier than December 2029, a decade later than originally envisaged.
- EE (a BT Group unit) will supply the commercial 4G/5G infrastructure intended to underpin ESN.
- UK government awarded IBM a contract worth more than £1 billion last year to deliver ESN User Services.
- Motorola Solutions had been the original ESN contractor in 2015; its ownership of Airwave and pricing concerns led to regulatory action and contract termination in 2023.
- Other satellite firms — including AST SpaceMobile (partnered with Vodafone) and Eutelsat/OneWeb — are also developing direct-to-device capabilities.
What to watch next
- Whether any specific satellite operator (for example Starlink) is formally selected or contracted to provide ESN augmentation is not confirmed in the source.
- Plans or schedules for field trials, technical validation or procurement steps for satellite-augmented ESN are not confirmed in the source.
- How the ESN programme addresses integration, security and regulatory oversight for satellite direct-to-device links is not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Direct-to-device (D2D): A satellite service model that sends signals directly to standard handsets or dedicated devices without relying on ground-based cell towers.
- Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Orbital region relatively close to Earth (a few hundred to about 2,000 kilometers up) used by many broadband and communications satellites.
- ESN (Emergency Services Network): The UK programme intended to replace the legacy Airwave radio system with a modern, smartphone-based communications platform using commercial cellular networks.
- TETRA: Terrestrial Trunked Radio, a legacy standard used by many emergency services for secure push-to-talk voice communications.
Reader FAQ
Will Starlink be used to extend ESN coverage?
Not confirmed in the source. The article notes Starlink as a strong candidate given existing commercial agreements, but no selection or contract is reported.
When will the ESN be delivered?
The source states delivery is not expected before December 2029.
Who is contracted to provide ESN user services and the network layer?
IBM was awarded the User Services contract; EE (part of BT Group) is expected to provide the underpinning 4G/5G network.
Are other satellite operators involved?
The source mentions AST SpaceMobile (with a Vodafone partnership) and Eutelsat/OneWeb as firms working on direct-to-device offerings, but commercial services in Europe are not yet broadly announced.
PUBLIC SECTOR UK's long-delayed Emergency Services Network eyes satellites for help Direct-to-device services from low Earth orbit floated to plug coverage gaps Dan Robinson Mon 5 Jan 2026 // 13:44 UTC Satellite phone services…
Sources
- UK's long-delayed Emergency Services Network eyes satellites for help
- Starlink Could Bridge the Gap in UK Emergency Services …
- Standard smartphones to receive signal from space
- Advances in Direct to Device Emergency Communications …
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