Test bed to enable businesses to commercialise 5G

One of the UK’s first 5G test beds is to be built in Worcestershire after an innovation partnership was formed.

Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and the University of Surrey’s 5G Innovation Centre (5GIC) will work with companies including QinetiQ, Worcester Bosch and Yamazaki Mazak to focus on the commercial applications of 5G.

It will specifically look at enabling innovation in the cyber security industry and Industry 4.0. Entrepreneurs will be able to test 5G capabilities in the new incubator which will be located at the Malvern Hills Science Park.

Worcestershire LEP has the stated ambition to create the UK’s most connected county as part of its 10-year plan to create a word class business location.

Mark Stansfeld, chair of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “5G connectivity is set to revolutionise the way that business works in the UK and globally, and I am therefore delighted that Worcestershire is leading the way in terms of developing 5G applications for local businesses.”

5GIC is the largest UK academic research centre dedicated to the development of the next generation of mobile and wireless communications, bringing together academic expertise and key industry partners from providers and infrastructure companies into one shared vision.

Keith Robson, chief operating officer of University of Surrey, believes 5G technology is a “global opportunity” for businesses.

He said: “We have already seen from our work with Worcestershire’s large local employers that the introduction of 5G technology will have an extremely positive impact in allowing businesses to create new innovative products and raise productivity.”

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