5G Innovation

Advancements in 5G are transforming the world as we know it.

As a region of innovators and entrepreneurs, the West Midlands is pioneering cutting-edge developments in this game-changing technology.

Home to the UK’s first multi-city 5G testbed, the West Midlands has been responsible for many UK firsts, from performing the country’s first ultrasound over 5G to launching the nation’s original 5G Road Sensor Network.

Our status as the UK’s best region for 5G coverage – combined with our position as the UK’s fastest-growing tech sector outside of London – is attracting investment from international tech heavyweights. They’re looking to benefit from our world-class R&D infrastructure to develop, test and commercialise next-generation, 5G-enabled products set to transform the way we live.

Faster than average mobile broadband connectivity compared to 150 major global city regions

Highest penetration of 5G networks out of all UK regions

First for 5G coverage – Birmingham’s coverage exceeds the top six cities in England and Scotland

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Through the UK Telecoms Lab, we will place the UK at the forefront of new technologies, injecting innovation, supporting invention and providing the platform for implementation to deliver impact science for our national security and economic growth.

Dr Peter Thompson, CEO, The National Physical Laboratory

How the West Midlands supports 5G innovation

The West Midlands is a powerhouse for 5G R&D, boasting state-of-the-art facilities that drive innovation and collaboration. These advanced assets not only provide cutting-edge technology and resources but also foster partnerships between academia, industry leaders, and start ups.

Across the region, you can find assets like WM5G, the UK’s largest 5G innovation company and educational institutes like Birmingham City University who conduct research on 5G through their Intelligent Systems and Networks Group. All our pioneering facilities work in the best-connected region in the UK.

UK Telecoms Laboratory (UKTL)

The Solihull-based UK Telecoms Lab will be the first facility of its kind in the UK, leading the charge in cutting-edge telecoms and 5G research. By researching, testing and developing innovative ideas and technology, UKTL aims to build robust telecoms systems deployed in the UK and shape telecoms infrastructure for a safer, more resilient future.

This presents an exciting opportunity as UKTL provide space for operators and vendors to test security, resilience and interoperability on test networks, help develop secure products and deliver skilled telecoms professionals to the West Midlands.

Coventry University Media Innovation Lab

Coventry University opened the UK’s first 5G Standalone Media Innovation Lab in collaboration with Vodafone. This ground-breaking facility offers next-generation connectivity, lightning-fast download speeds and network slicing to support the development and testing of end-to-end solutions in a safe and configurable environment.

Broadcasters, media companies and software developers are invited to develop 5G use cases for the media industry, working alongside Vodafone engineers and Coventry University academics. This new lab will be vital in the media industry, particularly for those creating digitally dense content in isolated locations or at large-scale events.

DID YOU KNOW?

The West Midlands has the best 5G coverage in the UK.

5G digital infrastructure

5G has been recognised as crucial to our region’s success in developing innovative products and solutions, attracting more foreign direct investment than any area outside London. As the UK’s first region-wide, multi-city 5G test bed, the West Midlands has continued to invest in 5G and related technologies, strengthening its role in advancing Creative and Digital Technology in the region.

From the autonomous vehicles developed at Tata Elxsi to Atlas Copco’s automated Smart Factory in Wolverhampton, 5G in the West Midlands is facilitating the creation of leading technology that reaches far beyond regional and national borders. Cyber companies can test defence and resilience systems on realistic networks while connected ambulances enhance their at-scene and in-transit care thanks to faster updates with less latency.

5G drives innovation throughout the West Midlands’ cross-sector ecosystem. This is why we have invested more than £66m in 5G since 2018.