WM5G
5G in the UK
A national innovation network
West Midlands 5G is part of the wider government Urban Connected Communities Project and an Associate Partner of UK5G; a national innovation network dedicated to the promotion of research, collaboration and the commercial application of 5G in the UK. Our positioning means we’re able to keep local business, residents and key stakeholders across the region well informed about 5G in the UK. Below is a current snapshot of 5G-related schemes taking place across the country, including:
Government funded use case trials – Initial portfolio of projects
Led by Cisco and lead partner University of Strathclyde, this use case delivers testbeds and trials to exploit 5G benefits for rural communities and industries like agriculture, broadcasting, and utilities, to address the challenges of and build the business case for 5G rural deployment.
This testbed will focus on delivering enhanced visual experiences for tourists using Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology in major attractions in Bath and Bristol, including the Roman Baths and Millennium Square.
A team of 5G and Industry 4.0 experts lead this project – working with Worcestershire LEP, it will focus on ways to increase industrial productivity through preventative and assisted maintenance using robotics, big data analytics and AR over 5G.
The consortium will use this technology to reduce the digital divide, while measuring the impact on patient monitoring and support, management of loneliness in older adults, aid to independents living in the home and the facilitation of communication between hospitals and the community.
AutoAir will aim to make 5G technologies available for the validation and development of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs) at the UK’s premiere vehicle proving ground at Millbrook.
5G Rural Integrated Testbed (5GRIT)
The 5G Rural Integrated Testbed (5GRIT) is a partnership of SMEs and Universities building a 5G testbed which will develop and test innovative solutions for rural areas.
The 5G Testbeds & Trials Programme Update provides a brief update on the progress made by the Programme and a forward look of what activities the Programme is planning over the next 12 months. Find out more here.
Other Government initiatives
5G Infotainment Services for Transport Environments UK-South Korea 5G Funding Competition
The aim of this competition is to develop new and novel applications and services that can be ready for 5G, in collaboration with South Korean partners. Find out more here.
The Industrial 5G Testbeds and Trials competition
This makes available UK Government investment to trial new 5G services and applications in the vertical industry sectors of manufacturing and logistics. The aim of these projects is to demonstrate the value of 5G, beyond enhanced mobile broadband, by targeting industrial uses that can help deliver efficiency, productivity, and other benefits in the UK economy, and help the UK lead the development of enterprise applications for 5G. Find out more here.
5G and Academia
5GUK is a £16m 5G Hub partnership linking three leading universities’ test beds together for the development of the world’s first trials of end-to-end 5G systems. Academia include:
- King’s College London
- University of Bristol
- University of Surrey’s 5G Innovation Centre (5GIC)
UK5G have provided a short summary into their work via their website here.
