Networking spotlight
Enhancing search and rescue operations with advanced connectivity
Surrey Search & Rescue (Surrey SAR), a volunteer-led emergency response team, has adopted a cutting-edge connectivity solution through
UK Connect’s SARNET (Search & Rescue Network) initiative. This collaboration, supported by Ericsson’s advanced hybrid WAN technology, aims to improve response times, enhance coordination with emergency services, and ultimately increase survival rates for high-risk missing persons.
O
perating across Surrey and the UK, Surrey SAR is responsible for locating individuals in life-threatening situations, oſten in remote and challenging environments. With more than
2,000 people going missing in Surrey each year, the team deploys on average once per week, making fast and reliable connectivity critical to its operations. Historically, poor network coverage and unreliable connections hindered search efforts, forcing responders to rely on paper maps and manual coordination. To address these challenges, UK Connect and Ericsson introduced the ruggedised Ericsson R2100 in-vehicle router, which ensures continuous, high-speed communication even in the most demanding terrains. Te R2100 vehicle router provides seamless connectivity
by switching between cellular providers and satellite networks when necessary. Tis resilience allows search teams to maintain uninterrupted communication, enabling rapid coordination and enhancing their ability to leverage new technologies such as drones and intelligent mapping. Te impact of this technology is evident in real-time operations, where better connectivity directly translates to faster response times, improved decision-making, and more effective rescues. Drawing on its expertise in secure communication solutions for
defence organisations, UK Connect adapted battle-tested technologies to create SARNET, ensuring that Surrey SAR has access to the same high-performance connectivity relied upon in military applications.
44 | May/June 2025
Previously, limited network availability meant search teams oſten faced delays when accessing mapping tools and liaising with emergency services. With SARNET, search teams can now use real- time intelligence to navigate difficult terrains efficiently and improve their coordination efforts when they arrive on-site. “We’ve seen the impact of advanced connectivity in defence, where
rapid decision-making and real-time intelligence are critical,” said PJ Farr, CEO of UK Connect and Search & Rescue team member. “Applying this same technology to search and rescue means we can locate missing people faster, improve coordination with emergency services, and ultimately save lives.”
https://surreysar.org.uk/ Mo Taufiq, senior partner manager at Ericsson, said: “Search and
rescue teams operate in extreme conditions and terrains, where every second counts. Advanced technology like drones and intelligent mapping are crucial tools in this race by enabling responders to search a wider area in a shorter amount of time. But for them to operate effectively they need reliable, high-speed connectivity. By integrating our advanced vehicle-based connectivity with UK Connect’s expertise in systems integration, and Panasonic’s Toughbook 33 we are ensuring that first responders have the technology they need to act quickly and effectively in life-or-death situations.” Te implementation of SARNET marks a significant step forward
in search and rescue operations, demonstrating how connectivity solutions can enhance emergency response capabilities. Trough the collaboration between UK Connect, Ericsson, and Surrey SAR, search teams now operate with greater speed, precision, and confidence, ensuring better survival outcomes for individuals in critical situations.
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