Plymouth 5G Ocean Testbed a World First

Plymouth at the forefront of marine and maritime innovation with world's first 5G ocean-based marine testbed.

15:26 03 December 2020

The world's first 5G ocean-based marine testbed will be in Plymouth. Plymouth Sound, which is part of the Marine Business Technology Centre's testing, will put Plymouth at the forefront of marine and maritime innovation. 

 

The pilot will use a private 5G mobile network built by Vodafone using Nokia equipment. The testbed will be opened to businesses to test 5G applications in areas like clean propulsion, applied autonomy, smart ports, environmental monitoring using the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart shipping.  

 

Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “We’re really making waves here with another world first for Plymouth. It goes without saying we’re incredibly excited to be able to provide this globally significant testbed, which further cements our city’s reputation as the UK’s centre for advanced marine technology development.”

 

Anne Sheehan, Business Director, Vodafone UK, said: “Smart Sound is a brilliant initiative from Plymouth City Council that will show just how powerful 5G can be for businesses looking to innovate. 5G can accelerate developments in marine technologies, and this is another area where the UK can be a global leader with the right digital tools and skillset.”

 

Rob Watson, MBTC Director said: “With Smart Sound Connect, the MBTC is able to provide a complete innovation service that allows businesses to utilise one of the most high-tech and comprehensive test and proving environments in the world.

 

“Not only will our clients be able to benefit from the expertise, research capabilities and advanced equipment of our partners, they will also be able to work closely with Vodafone and Nokia to develop 5G solutions specifically for the marine sector.”