Digital CatapultA £700,000 laboratory to enable companies to develop 5G technology is to open in a city shopping centre.
The 5G Immersive Lab will be located in Newcastle’s Eldon Square and aims to show how businesses can make better use of the technology.
5G networks will allow more devices to operate over wireless technology and also improve internet speeds.
Alex Cook, of Digital Catapult, which runs the lab, said the site was aimed at showing how technology could solve real problems facing businesses.
The lab will also be equipped with virtual reality and augmented reality hardware showcasing how 5G can be used.
Companies can take part in hands-on workshops to learn how 5G works and how it can benefit their companies.
Digital CatapultDigital Catapult is an industry association focused on accelerating the use of advanced technologies.
The lab will host sessions dedicated to how 5G will benefit specific sectors such as manufacturing and the creative industries.
It will be built on the site of the former Giraffe restaurant in Eldon Square and will include co-working spaces, meeting rooms and event space.
The North of Tyne Combined Authority has awarded the Immersive Lab £700,000 in funding.
“We don’t yet know the full capabilities of 5G, and the implications will vary depending on the industry,” Mayor Jamie Driscoll said.
“That’s why this lab is really exciting, because it provides the right environment and tools for companies to test at low cost and low risk.”
5G is already being used by businesses in the northeast of England, with the Port of Tyne using the technology to more precisely track the many cargoes that pass through the port.
Agricultural companies are also using 5G to connect multiple crop monitoring devices onto a single network.
Sunderland City Council is rolling out a public 5G network and is exploring how it can be used for creative events.
The first event at the Immersive lab will take place on May 8th.
