As part of the Government's ongoing commitment to improving Scotland's resilience, in March 2006 Howard Martin Consultancy was commissioned to review emergency communications in Scotland. The report was submitted in December 2006 to the Scottish Emergencies Co-ordinating Committee Core (now RABS) in January 2007 all the proposals were approved.
The consultants recommended a "Resilient Telecommunications Network" (RTN) strategy based on multiple communications channels (including satellite and microwave) which would enable voice and data communications between strategic centres to be maintained during a process of gradual degradation of capability.
The Report and covering letter issued to stakeholders.
Taking on board the feedback from stakeholders changes have been made to the Resilient Telecommunications Strategy for Scotland. The Strategy comprises a full solution and an interim solution.
The interim strategy comprises Broadband Global Access Network (BGAN) units and Airwave. The full strategy comprises tandem telephone exchange technology, further satellite links and Procure 3 vehicle-based satellite systems.