The new group, the UK5G innovation network, brings together organisations across the 5G ecosystem, including researchers, technology providers, investment, regulators and vertical industry partners.
“UK5G is a wonderful opportunity for industry and our research base to work hand in hand with Government to help promote the development of 5G, through test bed and trials funding, policy-making and network support,” said Rosalind Singleton, chair of the group’s advisory board. She also chairs UK Broadband, a subsidiary of Three UK.
UK5G is a consortium partnership between Cambridge Wireless, Knowledge Transfer Network and TM Forum. Cambridge Wireless is a Cambridge-based international community for companies involved in the research, development and application of wireless and mobile, internet, semiconductor and software technologies. The Knowledge Transfer Network was set up by Innovate UK to help to deliver economic growth.
Catherine Michel, CTO of Sigma Systems and one of the new advisory board members, said: “Service providers in the UK are faced with a digital transformation imperative to which they must respond. The UK’s roll-out of 5G is a critical process that will impact how service providers will strategically develop their network and operations and manage product innovation to thrive in the new digital economy.”
UK5G says it plans to “build and nurture a community that brings together industry, researchers and research organisations, the public sector, entrepreneurs, innovators and end users to accelerate the UK’s development and take-up of 5G”. It aims to be “an up-to-date information source for industry; a clear location for research, technology and industry collaboration; and an attractive offer for overseas businesses wishing to understand the advantages of investment into the UK and its test-bed network”.
Other members include Mike Short, formerly of Telefónica UK and now with the UK government’s Department for International Trade.
