Local areas in the UK are poised for a significant digital uplift, with the introduction of advanced wireless technologies. This includes using drones for agriculture, smart systems to mitigate traffic, and portable 5G networks for rapid, remote broadcasting.
Announced recently, ten multi-local authority areas across the UK have been selected to share £36 million, becoming 5G Innovation Regions. This initiative aims to foster the growth and use of 5G and other advanced technologies, ensuring urban, suburban, and rural communities fully benefit from advanced wireless connectivity. This move is expected to attract commercial investments and bolster the economy.
One of the beneficiaries, Glasgow City Region, will receive over £3 million for a health and social care project. This project will leverage advanced wireless technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city applications, to enhance public services. It will focus on asset monitoring, eco-friendly social housing, and improved health and social care monitoring.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority is also set to receive over £3 million. Part of this funding will enable 5G connectivity for air source heat pumps in social housing, promoting the development of Smart Energy Grids. This will allow better energy monitoring and cost savings for residents and public services.
The government’s Wireless Infrastructure Strategy underpins the 5G Innovation Regions programme, targeting sectors like advanced manufacturing, transport, agriculture, creative industries, and public services. The initiative is expected to catalyse 5G demand, embodying the government’s vision to harness 5G and digital technology. Research suggests that widespread 5G adoption could yield productivity gains of £159 billion by 2035.
Concurrent with this announcement is the launch of a new advisory group, comprising representatives from all UK regions. This group will guide local areas in enhancing digital connectivity, stimulating investment, and promoting local adoption.
Sir John Whittingdale, Minister of Data and Digital Infrastructure, commented: “We’re channelling millions into local areas to unlock the potential of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies which will reshape our public services, drive economic growth and boost innovation. This new fund will give local areas from across the country the opportunity to be at the forefront of Britain’s world-leading 5G revolution.
“For instance, by using 5G for farming and creating science parks, we’re not just helping local communities, but also encouraging new ideas all over the UK. This is more than just linking smartphones. It’s about using powerful digital connections to transform various sectors in the economy and the public sector throughout the entire country.”
John Lamont, UK Government minister for Scotland, added: “The UK Government is committed to ensuring the potential of 5G is felt across the UK and I am delighted that Glasgow City Council, North Ayrshire Council and the Borderlands Region will between them receive almost £11 million to help with this.
“Scotland has a history of being at the forefront of innovation and technology and this funding will make sure this remains the case. All the areas will use this technology to help people’s lives, Glasgow through improving the monitoring of health and social care services, North Ayrshire will accelerate the adoption of digital and wireless technologies and the Borderlands Region will help increase tourism.”
The successful regions are expected to lead in executing the UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, promoting advanced wireless connectivity and digital technology. Each region will address specific challenges and opportunities, demonstrating the scalability and replicability of their projects.
The regions set to receive funding are:
- Belfast City Council [£3.8 million]: digitising port operations using 5G; ‘5G-in-a-box’ for high-capacity uplinks in filming and production studios; and advanced wireless connectivity on transport routes
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority [£3 million]: 5G-enabled heat pumps for Smart Energy Grids and a digital road network to cut congestion and carbon emissions
- West Midlands Combined Authority [£3.8 million]: expanding 5G applications in advanced manufacturing and smart communities
- Oxfordshire County Council [£3.8 million]: creating 5G Science Parks at the Harwell campus, supporting R&D in various sectors
- North Ayrshire Council [£3.8 million]: establishing Regional Strategic Wireless Innovation Hubs to lead in advanced manufacturing
- Sussex County Council [£3.8 million]: developing 5G applications for sustainable agriculture
- Cumberland Council [£3.8 million]: utilising 5G in the Borderlands Region to enhance tourism, environment, and local businesses
- Shropshire Council [£3.7 million]: embedding advanced wireless technology in rural industries, water management, and public services
- Sunderland City Council [£3.8 million]: 5G-enabled port operations and Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems for efficient road transport
- Glasgow City Council [£3.2 million]: IoT and smart city applications for Asset Monitoring, Net Zero Social Housing, and Health and Social Care Monitoring
The UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) will also spearhead a nationwide programme to promote 5G and advanced communication technologies across.