The Digital Minister is promising a £25 million competition he's launching will "cement the UK's position as a world leader in the development of 5G technology".
The '5G Testbeds and Trials' competition is part of the Government's £740m National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) aimed at supporting the next generation of digital infrastructure, including 5G and full fibre broadband.
The technology is also key to connected car innovation. An explanation about the technology is in the forthcoming
Smart Highways issue which is going to press this week.
New test locations are being sought all across the UK to support the future rollout of 5G - 'fifth generation' - technology. Government is now encouraging interested parties from all around the UK to come forward with project proposals for match funded grants of up to £5 million.It says this 5G innovation boost also comes on the back of the announcement that by the end of this year a government investment of £1.7 billion will have supported the rollout of superfast broadband to 95% of the UK.5G will enable internet speeds to keep up with the increasing numbers of devices that require a connection, in particular the explosion of smart devices in the home and the 'internet of things'. With potential speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, it will also make it easier for people to rapidly download and upload ultra HD and 3D video.Minister for Digital Matt Hancock said, "To stay competitive we must be at the cutting edge of new technology and we are determined to be one of the first countries in the world to use 5G. In these very early stages we want all ideas, from all parts of the country, that will help us get the technology and the roll-out right to have a nationwide network of 5G innovators.
"It's all part of our determination to make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a digital business, and deliver for all citizens now and in the years to come."
