Project receives £5m funding to develop 5G technologies

A group of businesses in Worcestershire have received government funding to develop 5G technology.

The Worcestershire 5G Consortium project has been given £4.8m to help create new 5G business opportunities and increase skills.

The “testbed” will test 5G across a range of applications, including driverless cars and smart farming with drones.

The Midlands Engine, which sets out how the Midlands will deliver the government’s Industrial Strategy’s aim to boost productivity, has also received a share of £6m in government funding.

Sajid Javid, Housing Secretary and Ministerial Champion for the Midlands Engine, said: “One year on from the launch of the Midlands Engine Strategy, it’s clear that the region is at the forefront of innovation and growth. We have achieved a lot – from trade missions across the globe to millions of pounds of government investment in the region.

“The announcement today of this ground-breaking project will build on this, helping to unlock the Midlands’ 5G future and ensure the benefits of this new technology are felt across the region.”

Sir John Peace, Chairman of Midlands Engine, said: “Through raising productivity and creating a stronger economy, we aim to achieve a fairer society through improving skills, improved access to housing and greater quality of life for all Midlanders.

“Strengthening the Midlands Engine as a place to invest and supporting the efforts of Midlands businesses to trade and export also complements government’s work to strengthen our country internationally.”