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.

Airwave is part of HMG Critical National Infrastructure and is designed to stay working even during major incidents (like 9/11) when conventional mobile and fixed telephony networks may overload and fail. Airwave is helping to build safer communities, delivering communication where and when it's needed most.

Key benefits of Airwave

• Security
  As an encrypted network, Airwave communications cannot be scanned or monitored by outsiders. This also prevents criminals or individuals with malicious intent from thwarting the work of police officers, emergency workers and members of the TA working together.
• Mobile Radio and Telephony in one
  The system's unique, multi-functional handsets can act as a digital radio, mobile phone and data terminal in one.
• Interoperability
  Airwave enhances interworking between public safety organisations, allowing them for the first time to communicate directly with each other at the site of an incident. By sharing the same communication system Army, police, fire and ambulance personnel can deliver a true joined-up emergency response.
• Greater call clarity
  Speech quality on Airwave is crystal clear thanks to unique technology for screening out background noise. This helps public safety users to communicate effectively especially when working within noisy and hazardous environments.

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