Airwave is the first digital nationwide radio communication service designed for the police forces of England, Wales and Scotland.

It is set to replace the current analogue radio network, which has been the communication mainstay for many years and is generally regarded as out of date, fragmented and operationally inadequate.

Airwave Past & Future

1980s
Publication of Home Office report recommending an integrated public safety radio network

Jul 1999
Project Definition Study completed, showing how BT would build, maintain and charge for the service

Feb 2000
BT awarded contract

Oct 2000
Pilot begins in Lancashire Constabulary

Sep 2001
Lancashire using service operationally after PITO signs off pilot

Jun 2002
North Yorkshire using service

Oct 2002
West Mercia using service

Dec 2002
Airwave operational in Leicestershire

Feb 2003
Cambridgeshire and Humberside reach RFS (Greater Manchester Police and Suffolk partial users)/ Airwave made its debut in the skies, with Suffolk using the service in its force helicopter

Mar 2004
Supporting 26 forces getting ready for service - the largest number in any one year - under revised rollout schedule

2005
Withdrawal of existing frequencies used by emergency service radio systems/ last remaining forces expected to be using Airwave.