From March 2019 to 2022 WM5G was responsible for delivering a multi-million-pound programme in collaboration with West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to develop and deliver the UK’s first region-wide 5G testbed.

By working in partnership with both the public and private sector, WM5G delivered a number of projects to speed up the launch of 5G networks and test, prove and scale up new 5G products and services – for local people, public services and businesses. Our aim was to deliver real and tangible benefits for people and businesses and strengthen the West Midlands’ position as the hub of the UK’s 5G ecosystem and set on a path to become a global leader in the sector.

Throughout the three years of test bed activity our key industry sector focuses  were in Health & Social Care, Transport and Manufacturing, where we delivered wide-reaching positive outcomes, and proven case studies that can now be accelerated  across the West Midlands and beyond. From the UK’s first ultrasound over 5G to deploying the UK’s first 5G Road Sensor Network, WM5G has already opened up new pathways of possibility through harnessing the power of 5G and associated technologies.

WM5G is also working in partnership with local authorities and mobile network providers to accelerate the roll-out of 5G and fibre networks, a crucial part of delivering strong signal coverage.