Using Airwave

Am I eligible to use Airwave?

The Airwave service is owned, operated, managed and maintained by Airwave.  Airwave is a secure digital radio network dedicated for the exclusive use of the UK’s emergency services and those organisations with a recognised public safety responsibility.  Designed to carry voice and data communications, the service offers guaranteed levels of coverage across England, Wales and Scotland. This means that users can stay in instant communication even in remote areas or within confined spaces of buildings and tunnels where radio coverage has often failed in the past.

The Airwave network is not for public commercial use.  In order to ensure the security and integrity of the Airwave service it is fundamental that the user group is restricted to the emergency services and public safety users.  It is for the regulatory authority, Ofcom, as well as the emergency services and public safety users themselves to define who may be required to respond to an emergency and therefore should have access to Airwave to enhance communications at incident.  To manage access to appropriate user groups Government developed the ‘sharers’ list’. 

What is the Airwave Sharer’ List?

The Sharers' list is administered by Ofcom and is a list of emergency services and public safety agencies which are eligible to access Airwave.  Access to the Airwave sharer list is subject to a successful application to Ofcom, demonstrating your organisation’s public safety remit and emergency communication requirements. 

Inclusion on the sharers list does not mean that an organisation has an automatic right to use the Airwave network, or that it is required to do so. The effect of inclusion only means that Airwave may make the service available.  It is then up to the parties to develop the specific service required to meet the communication needs of each organisation and to agree contract terms.

How do I apply to the Airwave Sharer’ List?

The first step is to work with Airwave to complete the Ofcom application process. This application is designed by Government to help assess the public safety nature of your organisation’s responsibilities.   The application form and relevant information can be found on Ofcom's website.

On completion, forms should be submitted to Kuha Sithamparanathan at kuha.sithamparanathan@ofcom.org.uk Ofcom will then consider the application.

Following a successful application to Airwave, you can then work with Airwave to develop the communication solutions to meet the specific needs of your organisation.  At this stage, you will also need to require security clearance by the Cabinet Office.  This clearance relates to the use of the encryption algorithm used by the airwave network.  Airwave will assist in channel managing this process.

If you require any further information or assistance in completing the Airwave application process, please contact:

Rupert Cazalet
Airwave Solutions Ltd
Telephone: DDL: (+44) 01753 557386
Fax: (+44) 01753557425
Email:  rupert.cazalet@airwavesolutions.co.uk
Address: Airwave, Charter Court, 50 Windsor Road, Slough, SL1 1YP, United Kingdom