Panasonic obtains ESN accreditation for its Toughbook 33 Windows notebook

The 2-in-1 detachable device can therefore be used by all emergency service personnel on the new network. Panasonic worked closely with its modem manufacturer and the ESN test team to ensure that existing TOUGHBOOK 33 devices, which are already in use by the emergency services, can be easily upgraded at no additional cost.

ESN, which will deliver a mission-critical mobile broadband service over EE’s network and Home Office owned sites in remote locations, is intended to replace the UK’s Airwave TETRA network. Airwave is owned by Motorola Solutions which is also providing the software for key features on the ESN network, such as mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT). Around 300,000 frontline emergency service users will depend on ESN, using handheld devices or operating equipment in 50,000 vehicles, 115 aircraft and 200 control rooms.

ESN programme deputy director Stephen Whatson said, “I am very pleased to see this portable device approved for use on the Emergency Services Network (ESN). This marks another milestone in the transition of the Emergency Services from Airwave to ESN. The fact that existing devices can be upgraded at no extra cost to the users is a major plus and demonstrates the ability to use commercial off the shelf devices on ESN.”