The Belfast Region is contributing to Northern Ireland’s innovation economy by making targeted investments in initiatives that will accelerate the adoption and commercialisation of advanced wireless technologies.

The aim of the project is to further define the blueprint for rural connectivity by advancing development of open-source Radio Access Networks (RANs) and examining the use of technology alternatives to standard network equipment.

Westminster City Council, working with Ontix, will be testing multi-functional smart lamp columns.

Tees Valley Combined Authority are leading a pilot to install multi-purpose smart columns.

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames will test the procurement, installation and multiple use cases via the deployment of smart multi-purpose columns.

The Digital Infrastructure Programme and Innovation teams at Oxfordshire County Council will purchase and test 14 smart, multi-purpose lighting columns from the supplier Signify. These columns will be installed, as replacements to existing columns, in Oxford to provide mobile and wireless connectivity services. The project aligns with the Government’s UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, aiming to integrate advanced wireless infrastructure into the UK's economy and society by 2030.

North Ayrshire Council aims to create a digitally advanced waterfront destination that drives economic growth and enhances the quality of life for residents and our visitor experience.

The project team will collaboratively design, deliver and test a range of Smart Poles that are capable of hosting a variety of equipment.

The ON-SIDE project will address key challenges associated with deploying private 5G StandAlone (SA) networks operating in Shared Access radio spectrum, such as obtaining suitable spectrum licences and affordability of kit, while supporting the UK government and Ofcom’s broader telecoms diversification and spectrum management strategies.

5G MoDE (Mobile oRAN for highly Dense Environments), seeks to revolutionise how we manage dense mobile network traffic using oRAN.