Home Office-led ESN programme to feature on the Critical Response stage at the UK’s leading emergency services event, as the transition from Airwave to next-generation critical communications moves forward.
The Blue Light Show 2026 today announced a significant new partnership with the Emergency Services Network (ESN), the programme that will replace the Airwave critical communications system used by Britain’s emergency services and transform how first responders operate across Great Britain.
The partnership will see ESN work with The Blue Light Show to ensure that delegates from frontline responders to senior strategic leaders have access to the most up-to-date information about the delivery and deployment of new critical communications capabilities. The collaboration reflects the show’s commitment to placing the issues that matter most to the emergency services at the heart of its award-winning conference programme.
ESN represents one of the most significant technological shifts in the history of British emergency services. Replacing the Airwave system currently used by police, fire, ambulance and other first responders, ESN will transmit fast, safe and secure voice, video and data on EE’s network, giving emergency services immediate access to life-saving information in real-time, on the move and at times of peak network congestion.
The infrastructure underpinning ESN is already substantial. The network utilises over 20,840 upgraded 4G masts across BT/EE’s estate, including 753 new masts and a further 292 new masts built by the government in remote and rural areas through the Extended Area Service (EAS). The impact is already measurable: an average of around 1,300 additional 999 calls a month are being made using new sites built for ESN, with much of the functionality of the network already demonstrated and the core infrastructure in place.
On the Main Stage at The Blue Light Show 2026
As part of the partnership, the Home Office will deliver a dedicated Critical Response stage session at The Blue Light Show 2026, giving delegates a direct briefing on the progress of ESN and practical guidance on what the transition means for their organisations.
Conference Session
Emergency Services Network (ESN): Delivering critical communications for blue light responders
Hear from the Home Office how they are delivering new communications capabilities for emergency services users and how you can prepare for the change from Airwave to ESN.
Carmela Coop-Rodia, Event Director, The Blue Light Show:
“”ESN will change how every single emergency service in Great Britain communicates. We’re honoured that the people driving that change have chosen our stage to share it.”
For more information please visit: https://www.bluelight.show/
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