5G Application Testing

UK government announces additional investments in telecoms infrastructure.

18:28 22 March 2018

The UK government has recently handed £25million investment for six projects designed to test 5G applications across the country. One of the projects, which is led by Cisco, include a rural coverage and dynamic spectrum test bed. Meanwhile, £5million is earmarked to a smart tourism project in Bath and Bristol while a connected and autonomous vehicles project led by Airspan was granted £4.1million funding.

 

The huge investment recognises how UK expects 5G to benefit the country. According to a recent report released by O2, 5G could help average households save up to £450 through savings to council tax bills, energy gills and reduction in food waste. The report also claims that the government can save up to £890 million per year on social care costs for those living alone like the elderly through 5G telehealth and monitoring.

 

Margot James, Minister for Digital and the Creative Industries said: "We want the UK to be a world leader in 5G, and this report highlights the huge potential we have to get ahead and reap the benefits of this exciting new technology.

 

"We're already investing £25 million in new testbeds across the UK that will pave the way for our 5G future and our work with industry will be vital to help us achieve our ambitions."