UK joins global coalition to enhance and strengthen telecoms space
The UK has joined other leading countries to form a coalition aimed at strengthening and advancing telecommunications around the world.
The new global coalition on telecommunications (GCOT) sees the UK, along with Australia, Canada, Japan and the US, come together to ensure networks remain resilient at critical times.
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The tie-up will also explore opportunities for more research and development (R&D) and information sharing in the growing digital world.
To cement the collaboration, the UK government is investing an initial £70 million to develop the next generation of technology through the Future Telecoms Technology Missions Fund (TMF) programme.
The aim is to help the UK become a leader in 6G technology and beyond.
This will include advancing new technologies to better connect space-based and terrestrial networks and improve the efficiency of networks through cloudification.
Whitehall says universities and businesses across the UK are ready to lead projects that bring "new, game-changing" ideas to market, including those that could improve internet coverage everywhere and make the universal rollout of self-driving cars possible.
Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for science, innovation and technology, said: "This historic partnership reflects our shared commitment to harnessing the power of telecommunications for the benefit of our nations and the world at large.
"Telecommunications networks are the lifeline of global economies, and safeguarding their resilience and security in an evolving, interconnected world is a top priority for our governments."
Dr Kedar Pandya, from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), added that the £70 million investment would form part of the UK’s contribution to international cooperation in the field and provide "tangible benefits to the population and economy".
"In addition, UKRI is investing £250 million through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund to enable new and existing capabilities and capacity in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and engineering biology in the years 2023-2025 and beyond," he said.
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