Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has published findings from its ‘Sector in focus: Connecting the UK’s emergency services’ report, revealing that while UK emergency services are increasingly reliant on connected technologies to protect the public, many are still operating with unreliable connectivity that risks slowing response times and impacting frontline effectiveness.
According to the new research, 5G connectivity is seen as essential to improving the future effectiveness of emergency services. However, despite nearly nine in 10 (88%) technology decision-makers believing this, adoption remains low, with just 22% currently using 5G, and 44% still relying on mobile hotspots to stay connected on the move.
The need for robust connectivity
Unreliable connectivity is severely affecting emergency responders’ ability to conduct their jobs effectively. Nearly a quarter (24%) of respondents state their connectivity is only somewhat reliable today, meaning they cannot effectively use critical tools including body-worn cameras, real-time tracking of vehicles or personnel, live video streaming, and drones/aerial surveillance. This deprives commanders of being able to access the full operational view of any situation and leads to unacceptable delays in responding to crises where even a few seconds can make the difference in preventing crime, protecting our communities or ensuring best patient outcomes.
Legacy connectivity solutions are failing to meet the demands of frontline workers today. This is having a direct effect on emergency responders, with 35% admitting poor connectivity is reducing morale among frontline staff, while 29% believe it is undermining safety, meaning these highly trained and expensive to replace staff are more likely to seek work elsewhere.
More resilient solutions, such as 5G networks and dual-SIM in-vehicle routers, can address these challenges by providing fast and reliable connectivity, maintaining performance even in hazardous environments. These technologies enable responders to access and share critical information in real time, improving coordination and decision-making when it matters most. Yet barriers to adoption remain, with 32% of respondents stating managing multiple devices and networks are too complex for them.
Graham Everington, Regional Sales Manager, Blue Light at Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions, stated, “When frontline responders can’t upload video from the scene or view building plans in real time, they’re effectively working with one hand tied behind their back. Connectivity isn’t about faster data for its own sake – it’s about making sure every call handler, dispatcher and responder has the clearest possible picture when lives are on the line. 5G provides this and is at a point where it is simple to set up and can provide the resilience and speed these vital workers need, from city centres to the most remote communities.”
Survey methodology
The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 500 UK-based technology decision makers working in blue light organisations (Police, Fire & Rescue, Ambulance Service, Search & Rescue, Coastguard). The data was collected between 06.02.2026 and 13.02.2026.