Leeds to be Largest 5G City

Leeds City Council launches £20.3m partnership with BT.

22:06 06 March 2020

Leeds City Council is investing £20.3million and has partnered with BT as it works towards becoming the largest 5G-capable city outside of London. The first part of the scheme will involve rolling out full fibre connectivity to council and health buildings followed by nearby residential and commercial properties. BT’s enterprise infrastructure partner, Openreach, will use 293 council-owned buildings as well as NHS buildings and council housing across the city in building the network. 

 

In a bid to combat digital divide across the city, the 5G mobile coverage will be rolled out to 70per cent of Leeds and about 81per cent of the city’s council houses starting 2023. 

 

Sarah Walker, Director, North of England, for BT’s Enterprise unit, said: “Our world-class full fibre network will establish Leeds as one of the UK’s digital= leaders, by bringing ultrafast broadband speeds to people and businesses across the city as well as underpinning the widespread roll out of 5G mobile services.

 

“We are pleased to be providing further support to local residents and businesses through a series of initiatives aimed at equipping those people most in need with the essential digital skills needed to get fit for the future.

 

“Digital technology is transforming every element of the way we live. In a world where everyday life and work increasingly depend on technology, digital skills can be the difference between getting ahead or being left behind.”