Solihull will be the site of a new, first-of-its-kind telecommunications lab that will generate dozens of jobs.
The UK Telecommunications Lab was announced at Birmingham Tech Week by Tech Minister Damian Collins. This new research facility will bring together academics, telecom operators and suppliers to test the security, resilience and performance of the UK’s mobile networks.
The facility will also help companies enter the UK market by ensuring their equipment will function correctly when connected to the equipment of existing manufacturers. The West Midlands is a prime location for this, being the first multi-city 5G testbed and with our local expertise in connectivity.
The opening of the lab and the research it will carry out is important to the government’s £250 strategy to diversify the UK 5G telecoms market.
Damian Collins, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy said:
“After this summer’s stunning Commonwealth Games it is great to feel the buzz in the city yet again in Birmingham Tech Week.
“Fast-growing firms are cementing Birmingham’s status as a tech powerhouse – boosting jobs and spreading economic growth right across the West Midlands.
“There is no better home for the new UK Telecoms Lab, which will turn the region into a centre for expertise and innovation in the security of next-generation mobile networks.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, commented:
“Tech is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing sectors in our region. This fantastic announcement that Solihull will be the home of the new UK Telecoms Lab yet again underlines the strength of this important sector for us here in the West Midlands. The Lab will bring a wide range of stakeholders together to drive innovation and create high-quality new jobs for local people.
“As we mark Birmingham Tech Week, it’s a great time to remember that we are at the cutting edge and – with our tech sector already valued at over £15 billion – we have an exciting future ahead of us.”
Birmingham Tech Week is the largest regional tech festival and conference in the UK, running from 10th–14th of October. Over 5,000 people are attending the conference, which includes events like the ScaleUp Summit, which helps tech companies scale and achieve more, and the Tech Showcase, a chance to see some of the most jaw-dropping tech and digital innovations the region has to offer.