Through the DCMS Future RAN (FRANC) competition, WM5G has been awarded £2.4m in funding for further research and development into 5G technology. Future RAN has funded a competition where £30m is allocated towards the research and development of 5G. The money also supports the Government’s 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy, a plan to support the telecom industry ensuring it is resilient to future trends and threats.
WM5G will provide the urban testbed for the testing and development of Open RAN solutions in the Birmingham Knowledge Quarter (BKQ). The high-tech campus is located next to Aston and Birmingham City University.
Robert Franks, managing director at WM5G said: “This strategic move will enable new technologies to be utilised by some of the most progressive companies and vendors in the region, cementing WM5G as a leading player and forward-thinker in the move towards Open RAN solutions.”
