The UK government has announced a new £30 million fund through ‘5G Create’ which seeks to help innovative projects that will utilise 5G technologies. The £30 million package consists of £16.4 million from the government that is matched by organisations. This investment is part of the wider £200 million 5G Testbeds and Trials programme (5GTT).
Several projects that will benefit from the investment were outlined by the government, for example, in Manchester AI-controlled traffic lights that reduce pollution and congestion will be trialled. In Brighton, the potential for remote music festivals using 5G will be tested by Brighton Dome. In Liverpool, a private 5G network is being developed to provide remote NHS video consultations for low-income families unable to afford good connectivity, and BT Sport is exploring how 5G can let people watch sports through virtual reality.
Commenting on the investment, Matt Warman, Minister of Digital Infrastructure, said:
“We are helping innovative thinkers across Britain use their creativity to harness the power of 5G and boost economic productivity, cut pollution and congestion, and develop the next generation of entertainment.
The new funding we are announcing today will help us pioneer new ways to seize the opportunities of 5G and bring tangible benefits for consumers and businesses across the country.”
Until now, the government has funded 24 5G testbeds across the UK which have trialled around 70 5G technologies, products, and applications. The government says it will fund a second round of new project through 5G Create which will be announced in September, October, or November.
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