BT has launched a capability designed to boost network connectivity for mission‑critical communications.

Dubbed Mission Boost, the offering provides prioritized access during periods of network congestion or high demand. Part of the telecom giant’s MissionNet portfolio, it’s designed to support communications for firms in critical national infrastructure sectors and first responders.

“Organizations delivering critical services are operating in increasingly complex environments, where reliable communications are a must,” said Faisal Mahomed, BT’s MD for critical communications. “Mission Boost is designed to provide the connectivity and capabilities that organisations need to operate with confidence – and marks an important first step as BT looks to roll out a range of enhanced new mission-critical services.”

Kieran Coughlan, director of asset management at UK Power Networks, said Mission Boost will provide greater resilience for its customers.”

“EE’s multi-layer resilience will enable us to stay in contact with key field staff even when the communications network is congested, and access tools that helps us understand the health of the cellular network to support power restoration in event of an outage,” Coughlan added. “These added capabilities are fundamental to how we keep power flowing safely and reliably.”

BT said it plans to evolve MissionNet over time, adding further capabilities, including contact management, to applications like push-to-talk, so users operating in critical industries can integrate the offering more seamlessly into their operational environments.

The offering adds to BT’s growing efforts to upgrade the U.K.’s fixed and mobile networks, with the telecom giant investing some $53 billion (£40 billion between 2020 and 2030.