The Global Certification Forum (GCF) is pleased to announce that the Emergency Services Mobile Communication Programme (ESMCP) of the UK Home Office is joining GCF as a Mission Critical Communications Operator (MCCO) member.

The Emergency Services Network (ESN) critical communications system is the cross-government programme being delivered by ESMCP across Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), in partnership with EE/BT and IBM. ESN will enable fast, safe and secure voice, video and data across the 4G network, giving first responders immediate access to life-saving data, images and information in live situations and emergencies on the frontline.

ESMCP is collaborating with user organisations on an ongoing basis to regularly test ESN functionality, in order to prove that ESN will keep both users and the wider public safe in the toughest situations. This will also allow for continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of emergency service users. This approach will help to build secure and resilient mission-critical communications the emergency services can trust to keep them safe.

In joining GCF, ESMCP emphasises its commitment to the development of standards-based Mission Critical Broadband Services and shaping the future of mission-critical communications. The new membership will provide increased support for the joint GCF-TCCA Certification Program for Broadband Mission Critical Services.

Cate Walton, Head of Engineering at the UK Home Office ESMCP, stated: “ESN is committed to delivering a standards-based solution that ensures interoperability, resilience and long-term value for emergency services, supported by active engagement with international partners. We are joining the Global Certification Forum (GCF) to support certification against recognised standards, helping ensure the availability of compliant, interoperable solutions. Through our collaboration with GCF and global counterparts, we are also promoting a consistent approach to standards adoption. As Host Operator for Critical Communications World 2026, we are proud to demonstrate this leadership on the international stage.”

Welcoming the new membership, GCF Director General Lars Nielsen commented: “GCF is pleased to see the UK Home Office's ESMCP join us as a Mission Critical Communications Operator member. ESMCP’s expertise will be instrumental as we collaborate to develop certification requirements for Mission Critical Broadband Services—ensuring the highest standard of reliability and interoperability for emergency services users.”

“It is essential that there is as much industry cooperation as possible across the entire ecosystem as we work towards delivering operational critical broadband,” said TCCA CEO Kevin Graham. “TCCA and GCF have collaborated extensively to develop robust processes for the testing and certification of mission-critical services, and we are delighted to see the UK Home Office bring ESMCP into the MCS Certification programme to extend the membership.”