Subject to final approvals, the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) intends to launch the 5G Innovation Regions competition at the end of July.
In anticipation of this, local/regional authorities and industry are invited to provisionally register for the 5G Innovation Regions online briefing event on Tuesday 1st August 10:00 - 11:30.
Please note: the date of this event has now been changed to 1st August, we apologise for any inconvenience the change may cause. Those who had registered for the previous date will be directly contacted by DSIT. If you are unable to attend the new date the event will be recorded and posted on the UKTIN site. Please contact 5gadoption-enquiries@dcms.gov.uk with any questions.
Leading up to the event, local/regional authorities are encouraged to continue conversations within their regions and with potential partners to ensure readiness and preparedness for the competition.
Overview of the 5G Innovation Regions programme:
Advanced wireless technologies will be key to driving the government’s ambitions to harness digital transformation to build a more inclusive, competitive and innovative digital economy. 5G in particular has the potential to unlock significant economic and social benefits for all of the UK.
The Wireless Infrastructure Strategy sets out UK Government’s ambition for people, businesses and public services across the UK to be able to realise the full benefits of 5G and advanced wireless connectivity as soon as possible. As part of the Strategy, it was announced that DSIT will be providing up to £40 million for regions and local authorities across the UK to establish themselves as ‘5G Innovation Regions’.
DSIT would like to establish up to 8-10 5G Innovation Regions across the UK, including the Devolved Administrations. Funding will enable communities and businesses to unlock opportunities across the digital economy utilising advanced wireless connectivity. Tailoring interventions to their specific local needs and existing strengths, 5G Innovation Regions will promote the development and scaled adoption of 5G and other advanced wireless technologies in businesses and in the delivery of public services, to generate value and growth at the local level.
Supported by the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, 5G Innovation Regions will build on the successes of the 5G Testbeds and Trials programme to drive innovative applications powered by 5G and other advanced wireless connectivity from proof of concept to widespread adoption. It is our ambition that projects will demonstrate the scalability, replicability, and sustainability of 5G use cases across key sectors of the economy, creating secure connected places across the UK.
For any queries, please email 5gadoption-enquiries@dcms.gov.uk
