November 20, 2023
Written by Sara Ray
Ten local authority areas across the UK will receive a share of £36 million (US$45 million) to become 5G innovation areas, the government has announced.
The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced wireless connectivity across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, public services, creative industries and transport.
Sir John Whittingdale, Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, said: “We are bringing millions of people to rural areas to unlock the potential of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies that will rebuild public services, drive economic growth and foster innovation. .”
“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.”
winner
The winning projects were announced after fundraising began in July.
Among the winners was Belfast City Council, which has awarded 380 projects to digitize port operations, provide high-capacity uplinks to on-location filming and production studios, and use advanced wireless connectivity on transport routes. He will receive 10,000 pounds.
Professor Liam Maguire, Chair of the Digital Advisory Committee for the Belfast Regional City Deal and Vice-Chancellor for Research at Ulster University, said: To achieve our digital innovation ambitions across the Belfast region.
“City Deal partners will leverage DSIT funding to accelerate the development of innovative projects, from proof of concept to widespread deployment, to help key sectors in the region take advantage of 5G and realize the transformative impact of advanced wireless connectivity. We are making sure that you can benefit from it.”
Glasgow City Region has been awarded £3.2 million for health and social care projects using the Internet of Things (IoT). The project will specifically focus on improving the monitoring and maintenance of assets, the construction of environmentally friendly social housing, and the monitoring of health and social care services.
Meanwhile, Greater Manchester Combined Authority will receive £3 million, part of which will be used for 5G-enabled air source heat pumps across social housing in the area. It aims to accelerate the creation of smart energy grids that allow residents, businesses and public services to better monitor their energy use and save money.
Multi-billion pound opportunity
The government says such projects could stimulate demand for 5G connectivity, with widespread deployment potentially delivering productivity gains of £159bn by 2035. This is according to research commissioned by the government from Analysis Mason and Cambridge Econometrics.
Other councils set to receive funding include West Midlands Combined Authority, Oxfordshire County Council, North Ayrshire Council, Sussex County Council, Cumberland Council, Shropshire Council and Sunderland City Council. This effort aims to demonstrate the scalability, reproducibility, and sustainability of each project before learnings are shared more widely.
A new advisory group will also be launched, with regional digital infrastructure leaders providing recommendations to Government on how it can support its connectivity ambitions.
