Replacing legacy systems
Many secondary bearers used as back-up networks for station end mobilisation systems in fire stations across the UK are rapidly approaching end-of-life and need upgrading and replacing. PSTN is scheduled to be retired in 2025 and mobile operators have announced the phased withdrawal of 3G and 2G networks from 2023. The legacy Paknet service that Avon FRS was using for its secondary bearer – the back-up network connecting the station end to the control room – was scheduled to be withdrawn at the end of March 2022. Avon FRS needed an alternative solution as a back-up bearer in addition to its primary bearer of a wired WAN link, to ensure continuity of service for its station end solution.