Local authority areas set to benefit from £36M 5G connectivity boost

Ten local authority areas across the UK, including in the South East and West Midlands, have won a share of £36 million in government funding and been named 5G Innovation Regions (5GIRs).

Projects in these areas are set to boost digital connectivity and adopt advanced wireless technologies as part of Whitehall's 'Wireless Infrastructure Strategy'.

READ MORE: Government awards grants to UK 5G Open Network Projects in Bristol, Bath and Worcester

The funding is aimed at a range of sectors, including advanced manufacturing, transport, agriculture, creative industries, and public services, with research showing widespread adoption could result in productivity benefits of £159 billion by 2035.

Minister of data and digital infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale said: "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."

Sussex County Council is set to receive £3.8 million to develop 5G applications to support farming and growing practices that increase sustainable food and drink, while the West Midlands combined authority has also received £3.8 million to scale proven 5G applications in advanced manufacturing and smart communities through new adoption hubs.

Oxfordshire County council has also received £3.8 million to create 5G science parks at the Harwell campus to support R&D in Quantum, Space, Health, and Energy Clusters.

Shropshire council will receive £3.7 million to embed advanced wireless connectivity technology across rural industries, water management and public services.

The announcement came out as the government also launched a new digital infrastructure advisory group with representatives from all four parts of the UK.

The board will support local areas to put recommendations to government on how to support their digital connectivity goals, encourage investment, and promote adoption at a local level.

The UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) will also work closely with the 5G Innovation Regions to help businesses and places from across all parts of the UK benefit from access to this transforming technology.

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