- Deployment of Ericsson’s R2100 in-vehicle routers offers reliable, always-on connectivity, enabling real-time coordination and access to digital tools.
- The collaboration adapts defense-grade technology to civilian search and rescue operations, enhancing the effectiveness of Surrey SAR teams.
What happened: Ericsson and UK Connect deploy advanced connectivity for Surrey SAR
Surrey Search and Rescue, a voluntary team assisting in locating high-risk missing persons across Surrey and the UK, faced challenges due to unreliable connectivity, often relying on paper maps and manual coordination.
To address this, Ericsson and UK Connect introduced the SARNET (Search & Rescue Network) initiative, deploying Ericsson’s ruggedized R2100 in-vehicle routers. These routers provide instant, always-on connectivity, allowing seamless communication, real-time coordination with emergency services, and access to online planning and mapping tools from the moment teams arrive on-site.
The R2100 routers feature a dual-SIM modem design, enabling automatic switching between cellular providers or fallback to satellite networks in remote locations, ensuring that search teams remain connected regardless of terrain or weather conditions.
Also read: Ericsson and Vodafone bring 5G to German tunnel
Also read: Ericsson completes multi-operator 5G field test at Taipei city mall
Why it’s important
The integration of advanced connectivity solutions significantly enhances the operational capabilities of Surrey SAR.Reliable, high-speed communication is crucial for effective deployment of technologies like drones and intelligent mapping, which are essential tools in search and rescue missions. By leveraging defense-grade technology adapted for civilian use, the collaboration between Ericsson and UK Connect ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to act swiftly and effectively in life-critical situations.
This initiative not only improves the efficiency of search operations but also sets a precedent for how advanced communication technologies can be utilized to support emergency services, ultimately contributing to better outcomes in critical rescue efforts.
