EE, Nokia to trial 4G LTE air-to-ground network

EE has signed an agreement with Nokia to build a nationwide 4G LTE air-to-ground network for the UK's Emergency Services Network.

The network is expected to provide uninterrupted, high-speed broadband coverage for emergency service personnel working above ground from 500 feet up to 10,000 feet. It will provide connect people, sensors, aircraft and helicopters.

As part of the agreement, EE will provide the active network equipment for a full reference facility and an initial seven-site trial network.

Following the trial, EE will deploy the network equipment in more than 80 Home Office-acquired cell sites across the UK.

Nokia will provide design support, network equipment, installation and commissioning services.

The first stage of the trial will take place over the coming months in North Wales and London, enabling EE, Nokia and the Home Office to test the hardware capability over different terrain along with the hardware deployment process, software capability and operational support.

Image courtesy EE.