The UK government has announced a £25m competition in an attempt to cement the country’s position as a leader in the development of 5G technology.
Part of the UK government’s £740m National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF), the “5G Testbeds and Trials” competition is urging interested parties from all over the UK to submit proposals for match funded grants of up to £5m.
Commenting on the news, minister for digital Matt Hancock, said: “To stay competitive we must be at the cutting edge of new technology and we are determined to be one of the first countries in the world to use 5G. In these very early stages we want all ideas, from all parts of the country, that will help us get the technology and the roll-out right to have a nationwide network of 5G innovators.”
“It’s all part of our determination to make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a digital business, and deliver for all citizens now and in the years to come.”
The news comes after the government announced its intention to invest in a nationally-coordinated programme of 5G testbed facilities and application trials as part of a £1bn funding package of announcements made to boost the UK’s digital infrastructure.
Exchequer secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Jones MP, added: “Improving productivity requires targeted and sustained investment, which is why we are backing the UK’s digital infrastructure with over a billion pounds of government funding. Whether we are doing business online or the weekly grocery shop online, strong and reliable connections are crucial to this.
“Today’s announcement is a big step forward in bringing 5G to the UK and ensuring our digital infrastructure is fit for the future,” Jones concluded.
Funding will only be available to UK registered organisations.