Handsfree R5 ESN Fixed Vehicle Device Solution Update
In November 2019 Handsfree Group, were down selected by the Home Office under 4G LTE Framework Agreement as one of two approved suppliers to deliver fixed vehicle technology and accessories for the deployment of the ESN (Emergency Services Network) contract which will eventually fully replace the current existing TETRA Airwave System. This was achieved in conjunction with our key strategic Hardware provider Advantech (Main Unit Hardware supplier) and our other strategic partner pei tel (accessories).
The project mandate is to install 40,000 plus Fixed Vehicle Devices (FVD) into the UK Emergency Service Vehicles with a contract value of around GBP £140m. The ESN contract will provide a new modern mission critical communication system across the three emergency services of Police, Fire, Ambulance and other User Operators (UOs). Our new R5 ESN fixed vehicle solution will utilise the 4G LTE network significantly improving the quality, consistency and coverage on the existing Airwave system.
The R5 ESN Fixed Vehicle Device Solution has been developed in association and with the Home Office under a Framework Agreement and subsequent ‘Call Off’ arrangements. The ESN solution consists of an exclusive and powerful Control Unit, linking to a choice of intuitive User Interfaces which are flexible and programmable, so you can add functionality on-demand such as extra terminals, multiple handsets, Push-to-talk, camera view and telematics.
Matthew Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Handsfree Group says ‘A key benefit of this alliance will be the synergies created through shared expertise. Our Installation partners are the UK’s leading vehicle technology installers, providing vehicle installation services to the UK’s largest fleets. Our partners have worked on mission critical blue light projects across the UK and all engineers deployed, will be Fitas accredited and FCS 1362 approved and provide significant experience across a range of vehicle technology installations.’
Finally, Handsfree Group have the expert ESN (Emergency Services Network) Division at Handsfree Group is a specialist single-point destination supporting first response clients including Police, Ambulance and Fire services with adaptable vehicle technology solutions.
To support the rollout and fitment of fixed vehicle devices for the emergency services, Handsfree Group have selected commercial vehicle installation specialist, Maple. With a nationwide team of FITAS accredited engineers, Maple have the knowledge and capabilities to support the deployment of vital communication systems across a wide range of different vehicles.
Commenting on the project, Dayle Lusty, Operations Director for Maple said, ‘We are delighted to have been selected by Handsfree Group for this prestigious project to support mission critical communication enhancements across the blue light network. Having worked with the emergency services over many years on a wide range of in-service installation projects, our engineering and service teams are well placed to support the ESN contract.’