Latest UK5G News

Update from Simon Fletcher, CTO of Real Wireless

Ever since the start of UK5G, maintaining an International outlook has been critical component of the activities. Mobile communications is a Global business and so provides an ideal focal point for enabling UK export and inward investment. 2020 started out with a number of visits from overseas missions and delegations from the UK visiting Countries such as Sweden to exchange views on opportunities. Whilst there is no denying that Covid-19 has impacted activities this year, there have still been positive developments such as the signing of an MoU with the 5G-ACIA. Many members of the UK5G Advisory Board have supported UK5Gs mission of raising the profile of UK5G activities on the international stage by taking part in online conferences.

The UK’s supplier diversification initiative injects energy into the International activities. Whilst many will hope for the development of a strong home-grown supplier capability, this will take time.

In the meantime, if the UK plays its cards right in attracting global value and supply chains into the UK, and effectively harnesses the diversity, it could be the catalyst for significant developments. Developments not only impacting the traditional telco business model, but also for industry sectors that may wish to harness private network solutions.

The International Working Group meets to discuss trends in the industry and make recommendations to DCMS and the UK5G team. This year we have noted the emergence of new 5G oriented collaborative organisations that seek to influence and encourage adoption of Standards in the sectors of Media and Health. This shows that 5G continues its march into sectors beyond Telco, Transport (5G-AA) and Industrial networks (5G-ACIA). We have already started to process the Beyond5G (some already claim 6G) messaging that is emerging from various centres of competence on the Global stage. Whether there will be a 6G or not, one thing we know for sure is communications technology will continue to evolve as will the services and applications – 5G has a long way to go until maturity.

As the CTO of Real Wireless I’m happy to reflect on our year and see that, even with my international travel severely curtailed, we have continued our international reach. Working with clients in Europe and the Middle East, advising on strategies looking well beyond home markets. Whilst I might be sick of the sight of my home office this year, I think we can all acknowledge that global communications has kept the world ticking over to a remarkable extent. With the final tranche of 5G Create projects getting underway, planning for virtual missions and big-ticket events like MWC already well underway, and the hope of a vaccine reduced covid-19 impact...I look forward to a good 2021.

I wish everyone a peaceful, safe and relaxed Christmas and New Year’s break.

Simon.

ICYMI: An early edition of Issue 4 of the Innovation Briefing is now available in digital form (Flickread) - all 74 pages of it (pictured above)

Panel: 5G Supply Chain Diversification in the UK

Upcoming events

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What is mobile edge computing and how does it impact the end-user?​

Join the next 5PRING 5G Tech Masterclass on 6 January to hear from some of Digital Catapult’s 5G Technologists. Digital Catapult is continuing to champion 5G business innovation as part of the 5PRING consortium of O2, Deloitte UK and Wayra UK to realise the potential of 5G technology for the West Midlands region.  Find out more

Made Smarter Technology Accelerator innovator briefing​

The Made Smarter Technology Accelerator innovator briefing session on 12 January provides startups working with digital technology solutions and products a deeper understanding about the programme - what the benefits are, funding available, and the different industrial challenges your solution or product can apply to. Have your questions answered and find out how you can work directly with some of the UK’s leading manufacturers. Sign-up to join

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Colt Chief Executive Keri Gilder is focused on improving the telecoms industry’s diversity, skills and social impact in her latest role as Chair of TM Forum’s Diversity and Inclusion Council.  Read more

Latest Video | What is 5G and its role in the health sector and panel session

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