The West Midlands Integration Authority (WMCA) today (Thursday 16 November) announced new plans to accelerate the rollout of 5G technology across the region’s advanced manufacturing sector, helping to improve productivity and create better-paying jobs. It received funding of £4 million.
The funding was won through a joint bid by WM5G (West Midlands 5G), JLR (Jaguar Land Rover) and WMCA’s local authority partners to the government’s 5G Innovation Regional Competition, which aims to improve people’s health outcomes through driving. It is also used to improve Smart community concept including social housing and care.
Advanced manufacturing and smart communities are two key clusters identified in the West Midlands Growth Plan, launched last year to reinvigorate the local economy and restore pre-COVID success.
Accelerating the adoption of so-called Industry 4.0 technologies, such as 5G and data/AI, has the potential to create skilled jobs, improve productivity, transform health outcomes, and help reduce social inequalities. However, digital adoption remains low, reflecting underlying skills and cost of living issues combined with barriers to awareness, advocacy, funding and delivery.
By becoming a 5G Innovation Region, the West Midlands will overcome these barriers by deploying the UK’s first deployment hub to operational manufacturing and social housing properties, extending proven use cases, and We help many other organizations benefit through our adoption programs.
The funding is part of a £40m pot the Government is delivering to selected regions to help drive the transformative benefits of advanced connectivity and digital technology.
Lord John Whittingdale, Secretary of State for Data and Digital Infrastructure, said: “We are committed to unlocking the potential of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technology to rebuild public services, drive economic growth and foster innovation. The new fund will give local authorities across the country the opportunity to be at the forefront of the UK’s world-leading 5G revolution.
“For example, by using 5G for farming and the creation of science parks, we are not only supporting local communities but also encouraging new ideas across the UK. This is about more than just making your smartphones work together. It is about using powerful digital connectivity to transform different sectors of the economy and public sector across the country.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chairman of the WMCA, said: “5G has the power to transform public services and grow our economy, increasing workplace productivity and creating new, high-quality jobs. “It will be created.”
“As we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic, accelerating digital adoption is at the heart of our regional strategy to drive prosperity. We have already invested in digital skills bootcamps, launched the West Midlands Innovation Accelerator, and integrated We are off to a strong start, including achieving the best 5G coverage in our region.
“But there is more we can do to accelerate the pace of adoption. That’s why it’s so important for the West Midlands to secure £4m of funding and become a leading 5G innovation region. Our close collaboration with local authorities will enable us to best serve local communities, businesses and public services, opening up new opportunities for local people across the region in the coming months and years. .”
Steve Prendergast, Director of Digital Operations at JLR, said: “Having 5G available at our Midrand manufacturing facility is essential to JLR’s digital transformation to improve the performance of our industrial footprint. The introduction of wireless technology increases scalability, flexibility, and resiliency on the manufacturing floor.
Saima Suleman, Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for digital, culture, heritage and tourism, said: “Birmingham City Council is transforming the way we deliver services using digital and smart technology to ensure residents receive the opportunities and services they deserve. This opportunity is an exciting opportunity for our housing and adult social care services. We look forward to working together through 5GIR to accelerate the benefits of large-scale adoption of these technologies for our residents, staff, and partners.”
Coventry City Council leader George Duggins said: “5G-powered technology has the potential to deliver more efficient public services, new opportunities for residents and businesses, and drive economic growth.” Stated. Working together as a region means we are best placed to jointly make the most of this opportunity. ”
Cllr Stephen Simkins, leader of Wolverhampton City Council, said: “Wolverhampton is proud to be the capital of the future with future-proofing technologies such as full fiber broadband and 5G being used to transform service delivery and develop new applications to unlock their potential. “It’s a gigabit smart city with a certain digital infrastructure.” We recognize how important digital adoption is for residents and organizations and are delighted to be part of this innovative program that will bring further benefits to our city and region. ”
