Case Timeline

2000
2000
Airwave Network commissioned

Home Office commissions Airwave Network under a PFI framework arrangement (with an original term of 19 years). 

Commercial
17 February 2016
17 February 2016
Motorola and Home Office enter into a number of agreements

This included an agreement that the Airwave Network will continue to be provided at a fixed price until terminated by the Home Office.

Commercial
2020
2020
Intended replacement date

Intended date for the Emergency Services Network (ESN) to replace the Airwave Network (with the PFI agreement due to expire).

Commercial
14 April 2021
14 April 2021
Home Office complaint

Home Office complains to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) about Motorola's level of profitability from the Airwave Network.

Regulatory
25 October 2021
25 October 2021
CMA opens market investigation

CMA opens market investigation into mobile radio network services. Read more here.

Regulatory
2016 - 2021
2021 - 2016
Negotiation of Airwave Network terms

Motorola and Home Office negotiate terms of the Airwave Network, including its possible extension pending operation of ESN.

Commercial
20 December 2021
20 December 2021
Extension announced

Home Office announces that the Airwave Network will operate until the end of 2026 at prevailing prices agreed in 2016.

Commercial
05 April 2023
05 April 2023
CMA delivers final decision

CMA delivers its Final Report from its market investigation, finding competition concerns. Read the Final Report here.

Regulatory
31 July 2023
31 July 2023
CMA imposes charge control

CMA imposes a charge control (effective 1 August 2023) limiting the revenue Motorola can earn from the Airwave Network during the extension period. See the Charge Control Order here.

Regulatory
02 - 03 August 2023
02 August 2023 - 03 August 2023
CAT hears Motorola's challenge

Motorola sought judicial review of the decision set out in the CMA's Final Report.

Regulatory
22 December 2023
22 December 2023
CAT dismisses Motorola's challenge

Read the judgment here.

Regulatory
11 November 2024
11 November 2024
Court of Appeal hears Motorola's appeal

Motorola sought permission to appeal the CAT's decision dated 22 December 2023, which had upheld the CMA's Final Report.

Regulatory
05 December 2024
05 December 2024
Ms Spottiswoode's claim filed in the CAT

See the claim's case page here.

The Claim
12 - 13 December 2024
12 December 2024 - 13 December 2024
Ms Spottiswoode's claim served on Motorola

The claim is served on Airwave Solutions Limited, Motorola Solutions UK Limited and (after permission granted to serve in the USA) Motorola Solutions, Inc.

The Claim
30 January 2025
30 January 2025
Court of Appeal dismisses Motorola's appeal

Read the judgment here.

Regulatory