The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has launched a state-of-the-art full-fibre radio network, investing £175 million to enhance search and rescue operations and prevent loss of life on the UK coastline.
This innovative communications network connects 163 remote radio sites across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England, providing crucial support to HM Coastguard’s emergency response efforts.
Matthew Leat, assistant chief coastguard at HM Coastguard, emphasized the network’s importance in protecting lives at sea, stating, “The national radio network is integral in supporting our mission of preventing the loss of life on the coast and at sea, enhancing our ability to respond to emergencies across the UK.”
The project, which began in December 2020, was completed and operationalized in August 2024. It features cutting-edge technology including 1,220km of full-fibre infrastructure, delivering improved bandwidth, security, performance, and reliability.
Telent, a technology company, was awarded a 10-year contract to design, build, and operate the upgraded network, ensuring top-notch services such as monitoring, maintenance, and technical updates to support HM Coastguard’s operations.
Jo Gretton, chief executive at Telent, emphasized the critical role of the new network in aiding life-saving search and rescue missions, highlighting Telent’s longstanding partnership with MCA dating back to 2010.
Prominent sites like Lee-on-the-Solent, Crystal Palace, Humber, Bridlington, and Brighton Marina have already been connected to the system, showcasing the network’s wide-reaching impact in safeguarding lives along the UK coastline.
