Etherstack Secures £14.2m Deal to Support UK Emergency Services Network
Etherstack has secured a £14.2 million contract with the UK Home Office to provide critical software for the Emergency Services Network, reinforcing its global leadership in public safety communications.
- £14.2 million (~A$30 million) contract with UK Home Office
- Deployment of LMR-InterWorking Function technology for ESN
- Contract spans five years with majority revenue in next 24 months
- Complements recent US $21 million FirstNet contract with AT&T
- Expands Etherstack’s footprint in UK and European public safety markets
A Major Win in UK Public Safety Communications
Etherstack plc has announced a significant contract valued at £14.2 million (approximately A$30 million) with the UK Home Office to support the Emergency Services Network (ESN). This five-year agreement positions Etherstack at the heart of the UK’s transition to a new digital public safety communications platform, underpinning critical services such as police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency responders.
The ESN is designed to replace the legacy Airwave TETRA network, enabling emergency services to communicate seamlessly across a modern 4G/5G cellular infrastructure. Etherstack’s role involves deploying its world-leading Land Mobile Radio InterWorking Function (LMR-IWF) technology, which acts as a bridge between traditional TETRA radios and the new digital ESN. This ensures interoperability and a smooth migration path for public safety agencies.
Strategic Synergies with US FirstNet Contract
This UK contract complements a recent US$21 million award Etherstack secured in August 2025 with AT&T to supply similar technology for FirstNet, the United States’ nationwide public safety broadband network. Both contracts leverage Etherstack’s intellectual property in licensed mobile radio standards and 3GPP-based wireless technologies, highlighting the company’s growing influence in mission-critical communications globally.
With the UK contract revenues expected to be recognised predominantly within the next 24 months, Etherstack is poised for a substantial boost in its financial performance. The deal also underscores Etherstack’s strategic focus on becoming the predominant supplier of interworking technology for public safety networks worldwide, especially in populous nations adopting next-generation digital radio standards.
Expanding Presence and Operational Scale
Beyond the immediate financial impact, this contract will significantly expand Etherstack’s operational footprint in the UK and Europe. The company has been active in public safety and defence sectors across EMEA since 2003, and this win further cements its position as a trusted technology partner for government agencies.
Etherstack’s technology solutions are critical in ensuring that emergency services can communicate reliably and securely during demanding situations. The company’s expertise in licensed mobile radio standards and its ability to integrate traditional and cellular networks provide a competitive edge as countries worldwide upgrade their public safety communications infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
As Etherstack continues to deliver on these high-profile contracts, the company is well placed to capitalise on the global shift towards digital public safety networks. The UK and US deals serve as blueprints for future deployments in other regions, potentially unlocking further growth opportunities in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
Bottom Line?
Etherstack’s UK contract win not only boosts near-term revenues but also solidifies its role as a global leader in next-gen public safety communications.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Etherstack manage cost and operational efficiencies across its expanding contracts?
- What are the specific milestones and revenue recognition timelines within the UK contract?
- Could Etherstack’s technology become the global standard for public safety network migration?
