A HIGH-speed 5G mobile network will be developed and tested in Coventry.
The government has given the green light to the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) bid to test the technology.
It will make it one of the key areas for the development of 5G in the UK after seeing off other competitors for the scheme.
Coventry will become one of the 5G ‘hubs’ as part of the plans and could be testing the technology as early as next year.
The mobile network will be faster and more reliable than home broadband and enable enhancements in healthcare provision and driverless technology.
Those involved with the bid say 5G will help boost Coventry’s place at the heart of cutting-edge industries.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has pledged £1million to help the project succeed.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for jobs and regeneration and a CWLEP board director, said: “Coventry is an ambitious city which is why we have played a significant role in the West Midlands bid to bring 5G to the region.
“5G is very different to the 3G or 4G people are used to as it is faster than broadband – up to 10 times faster than the speed many people currently have in their homes.
“It also has a huge capacity and is reliable and secure meaning great news for mobile users but it also means it can be used for critical communications like medical devices, guiding vehicles and connecting machines.
“Coventry is home to a number of globally competitive industries and universities developing driverless cars and 5G is integral to that. There is no doubt this will help stimulate continued economic growth.
“We are also the UK City of Culture in 2021 and being a 5G city at that time will help us showcase the city not just nationally but internationally as well, meaning more people and businesses are able to take part and benefit.”
The WMCA says up to £50million is currently available for the project, subject to development and approval of a business plan.
This includes £25million from the government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and a further £25million match funding from regional partners.
An additional £25million may be made available at a later stage, the WMCA says.
Jonathan Browning, chair of the CWLEP, said: “This is a significant announcement for our region as the installation of 5G will play a vital role in supporting innovation, growth and productivity in Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy as well as improving the delivery and access to important public services.
“This will support our ambitions for world class innovation and research and design particularly in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, and the proposed use of technology in public realm improvements.
“We are the base of globally competitive industries that need 5G the most such as automotive and advanced manufacturing, construction, life sciences, aerospace and financial services.”
Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, said:“This announcement is game-changing for the West Midlands economy.
“This will be the backbone of our future economy and society.”
