05 January 2026
The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has reportedly reached out to potential suppliers, including SpaceX’s Starlink, to explore the use of Direct to Device (DtD) signals from broadband satellites as a means to address coverage gaps within the country’s beleaguered 4G-based Emergency Service Network (ESN). .jpg?lu=811)
The ESN, currently operated by EE (BT), has faced significant delays and cost overruns, prompting officials to consider innovative satellite solutions to bolster emergency communications.
The ESN was intended to replace the aging Airwave network, which relied on Motorola’s TETRA technology. While Airwave provided reliable voice coverage across over 99% of the UK, its data speeds were slow and costly, making it less suitable for modern emergency services needs. The shift to a 4G network was meant to modernize and improve capabilities, but the project has become notorious for technical issues, legal disputes, and ballooning budgets. Originally scheduled to be operational by September 2017, the full rollout has been pushed back to at least 2029, with costs soaring from an initial estimate of £6.2 billion to over £14 billion.
Most of the delays stem from problems with hardware and software integration, rather than the network infrastructure itself. Nevertheless, it is acknowledged that EE’s 4G network does not reliably reach every location in the UK, especially in remote or rural areas. This is where satellite connectivity — particularly the emerging Direct to Device (DtD) solutions — could play a crucial role.
Over recent years, satellite-based connectivity solutions such as SpaceX’s Starlink Direct to Cell (DtC) service, which has already been adopted by UK mobile operator O2 (scheduled for launch in early 2026), have gained prominence. Vodafone has partnered with AST SpaceMobile on similar initiatives, and BT (EE) is collaborating with Starlink on rural broadband projects, though not yet on a DtC basis. Amazon’s Leo constellation is also developing near-term plans to deliver mobile connectivity from space.
The UK government’s interest in leveraging satellite technology to complement the ESN appears to be gaining traction, as the UKSA considers whether satellite signals could help fill coverage gaps and improve resilience for emergency services. The approach is seen as an enhancement — rather than a replacement — given that EE secured a lucrative seven-year extension of its ESN contract in 2024, worth £1.29 billion, extending the service’s operational life until 2032. This extension includes the possibility of a one-year renewal.
However, questions remain regarding whether the existing hardware and software of the ESN can be adapted to integrate satellite connectivity effectively. The challenge is significant, especially considering the UK Government’s cautious stance on relying entirely on foreign satellite providers for critical national security infrastructure. As the project continues to evolve, the potential of satellite technology to bolster emergency communication resilience remains a key area of interest.
