The Emergency Services Network (ESN) will support more than 300,000 emergency responders in Great Britain, providing them with better technology and faster access to data in emergency situations and frontline operations.

Ambulance trusts, police forces, fire services and will be able to share live data and imagery, location reports and essential public safety information as they work on time-critical rescue and response efforts.

Software for new handheld devices will provide data-sharing functions and real-time video features, providing personnel with the critical information they need to save lives, as well as a push-to-talk protocol for instant communications.

IBM will be responsible for leading the design, build and system integration of the ESN platform. Key to achieving this will be IBM's delivery of IT infrastructure, which will be fundamental to ensuring improved and more efficient communication capabilities for mission-critical services.

Policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson, will chair regular meetings to ensure the project is running to time and cost.

She said: ‘Every day our brave emergency services help members of the public facing life-or-death situations. We must do everything we can to maximise the chances of successful outcomes, and communications between frontline staff is critical to ensuring this.

‘This government is working tirelessly to support this project, making sure it is delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner, and IBM will be an important part of bringing the Emergency Services Network online.'

In addition, EE was awarded the contract to provide the mobile communications infrastructure for the project, as the government works towards shutting down the current system Airwave.