5G win made possible through connectivity and partnership
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) bid to lead on the development of 5G was supported in writing by more than 40 regional organisations.
The project, which could see £150m invested, is a joint venture between the WMCA, local authorities, local enterprise partnerships and Government and will bring together their digital teams along with experts from health, education, the NHS and industry.
“This will be the backbone of our future economy and society,” said Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands.
“We have been working to put the foundations in place to grow the industries which will create the jobs of the future, particularly around driverless vehicles and life sciences where we have a genuine advantage. To deliver the future of these industries we need the power of 5G.”
The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has pledged £1m from the Local Growth Fund to help “this exciting project to become a reality”.
CWLEP chair Jonathan Browning said: “This is a significant announcement for our region as the installation of 5G will play a vital role in supporting innovation, growth and productivity in Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy as well as improving the delivery and access to important public services.
“This will support our ambitions for world class innovation and research and design particularly in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, and the proposed use of technology in public realm improvements.”
Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
She said: “This is fantastic news for the city and the wider region – it’s the latest win for the city and the West Midlands in what is a very exciting time for our patch.
“The growth of our economy will depend hugely on the way we take advantage of advances in technology and communications and for Coventry to be at the forefront of this revolution is exciting for businesses, as well as the public.
“It will open new opportunities for companies already based here but will also lead to the creation of new businesses, in sectors at the cutting-edge of technology.”
The announcement was also welcomed by Simon Dale, director of the Midlands at Mace, who believes that compared with HS2, the Commonwealth Games and City of Culture bids, 5G “has the potential to be one of the most transformational”.
He said: “The benefits of 5G to people and businesses in the region will be hugely significant and far-reaching, unlocking the opportunity for the West Midlands to become the UK’s first smart city and a world leader in the testing and development of digital infrastructure.
“The introduction of 5G services will make the region safer, greener, more efficient, more productive and an even more attractive place to live and work, further strengthening Birmingham’s case to become the new home of Channel 4 and significantly increasing the appeal of the West Midlands as a destination for inward investment.”
