On Tuesday 12th March Mobile UK, along with the four main mobile network operators, EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone, came together with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Chambers of Commerce, to discuss mobile connectivity and preparations for 5G.

Greater Manchester has been identified by operators as a key 5G launch city, and the roundtable has been organised to bring together industry, local government and business to discuss and identify what practical measures will be needed to ensure that the city is fully prepared and in the best position to exploit this new technology. Central to the discussions will be an opportunity for the industry to raise potential barriers to deployment and to put forward possible solutions. Also, local bodies and business are keen to understand what the potential opportunities are for 5G and how best to utilise and prepare for them.

5G is a new technology that will bring capacity and speed enhancements to mobile connectivity. It has been estimated that the combined value of 4G and 5G to the economy will be £18.5 billion and that councils could regain £2.8 billion annually in productivity savings thanks to the introduction of smart lighting and smart refuse collection, as well as improved social care. Households also stand to save £450 a year on energy, council and food bills. [2].

Gareth Elliott, Head of Policy and Communications at Mobile UK said:

“It is fantastic to be in Greater Manchester which is one of several cities that will be at the forefront of 5G deployment the UK. It is important that to be able to realise the benefits of 5G cities and towns across the country are also ready to understand the practical policy and political measures that will be needed to ensure operators can deploy their networks on the ground. We are very encouraged that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is working with industry to prepare for this exciting new technology.”

Notes to Editors

1. Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators -  EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.
2. O2, The Value of 5G for cities and communities, 2018 - click here.