A new innovative 5G Living Lab in Basing View is set to cement Basingstoke’s reputation as a top tech hub in a boost to the borough’s economic recovery.
Working alongside telecoms specialist Cellnex and the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is aiming to create a thriving 5G ecosystem at Basing View to enable entrepreneurs and businesses to trial products, services and applications to bring these to the market faster.
5G is the fifth generation of mobile internet connectivity and is set to change the way we live our lives through the use of technology. From healthcare, financial services, manufacturing and supply chain management to virtual reality and Internet of Things, 5G creates tremendous commercial opportunities for large and small businesses.
The £3.8million cutting edge project will see 5G, Artificial Reality and Virtual Reality infrastructure available in Basing View that will give businesses access to outdoor and indoor 5G connectivity.
A total of £1.9 million has been awarded by Enterprise M3 with the remainder of the project funded by Cellnex who will design, build and maintain the 5G network.
The project is expected to create a 5G cluster in Basingstoke that will foster technological development and innovation, support economic growth, lead to job creation and attract inward investment.
Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Ken Rhatigan said: “5G technology is going to transform the way we all live our lives and deliver significant benefits for our borough’s businesses and encourage more businesses to come and grow here.
“I am delighted that we have been able to continue our strong track record of partnership with the private sector to attract significant investment to ensure our borough remains a great place to live and work and cement our reputation as a top tech town. We look forward to working with Cellnex and Enterprise M3 to bring our 5G vision to reality.”
Kathy Slack, Chief Executive of Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership said: “I’m thrilled to see the 5G Living Lab come to fruition with funding from Enterprise M3 LEP, bringing a step-change in digital infrastructure to business in Basingstoke.
“We’ve all had experience of using innovative new digital systems during the pandemic and this new ultra-fast network will enable more businesses in Basing View to build, test, demonstrate and ultimately commercialise new, innovative products, further enhancing Basingstoke’s thriving high-tech economy.”
David Crawford, Managing Director, Cellnex UK added: “I am delighted that Cellnex UK has been given the opportunity to support Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s vision of a fully connected business community in Basing View. Through our Edzcom business, we have deployed over 35 private networks across Europe, including ports, airports, mines, manufacturing plants, refineries and are the ideal partner to deliver Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council plans for economic growth and digital innovation in the area.”
