England’s Connected Heartland’s (ECH) implementation projects – designed to be replicable within the ECH region and across the UK – are focused on two vertical markets: Advanced Manufacturing and Transport/Rail. These industries can benefit significantly from advanced wireless connectivity; see the ECH website page on the benefits of 5G to find out more about the benefits. All of these benefits, such as operational efficiency, contribute to the broader goal of improving the economic prosperity of the region.
Total project funding amount: £3,800,000
Project date(s): -
Category: Government Funded
Location(s): Oxfordshire County Council - Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Central Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire
Status: Open
Each of the Local Authority participants in the Region have experienced digital infrastructure teams that have made huge inroads to improving fixed broadband connectivity. Whilst this remains an important regional focus, they are now working to extend the reach of advanced wireless connectivity by way of enabling wider adoption of the technology as a means of improving business productivity, further innovation, and improving public service delivery.
ECH will deploy resources from each of the participating authorities to develop joint opportunities with the wireless telecoms supply chain and the sectors to create an Advanced Wireless ecosystem. The project will do this by stacking use cases as vertical propositions that can then be lifted into other applications more widely across the region.
The project plans to deploy two physical 5G infrastructure builds (Harwell & EW Rail) to develop this methodology.
Implementation Projects
5G Science and Innovation Campuses Project: ECH is working with stakeholders and suppliers to procure a managed private 5G network for significant parts of the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, the world-renowned 700-acre science and technology park in Oxfordshire. This will provide a secure, business-grade wireless network for residents, while simultaneously scoping and documenting a common set of requirements for deploying across other science or innovation parks.
5G Rail Project: ECH will be delivering connected trackside private 5G along East West Rail, a new section of rail network under construction between Bicester and Bletchley. This will provide better connectivity for passengers and other railway users, and will also open up opportunities to connect public services providers and rural businesses in traditional not-spots.
Other Activities
Innovation Exchange: ECH is creating a network of businesses, suppliers, and government to strengthen and build the advanced wireless connectivity market in the region. The network, called the Innovation Exchange, is there to support, inform, and connect members. Those interested in joining the Innovation Exchange network can sign up on the ECH website.
Grant Scheme: ECH will be running a Grant Scheme in the near future. More information about the scheme, with a transparent application and evaluation process, will be communicated on the ECH website.