WIREDGOV

Over the past two years techUK’s 5G Ecosystem Working Group has focussed on explaining the benefits of 5G to industries where there are opportunities to deliver services more efficiently.

Many people will think about 5G as just faster mobile broadband, but there is much more to the technology.

Low latency services enable new approaches to automation and control, and the higher resilience elements enable it to be deployed more reliably in mission-critical scenarios. In parallel, other technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 for indoor and satellite for wide area coverage have matured, giving more choice for those looking to benefit from communications technology. 

The working group has focussed on a number of specific use cases, which will be explored further in the upcoming Private Networks paper due to be published early in 2022. The broadening of scope and focus beyond 5G has led us to rename the group to better reflect our goals. It will now be known as the Advanced Communications Services group, recognising that we will be showcasing how communications can underpin and benefit multiple industries, delivering value, increasing efficiency and unlocking innovation. 

In 2022 Advanced Communications Services will focus on: 

• Completing and publishing the Private Networks paper, which will outline the scenarios where a private network might bring benefits to enterprises and public organisations 
• Completing and publishing the Ecosystem Management Model, which will explain the various elements needed to create and fully benefit from private networks, in particular 5G 
• Continuing to develop use cases, particularly related to the rural economy, utilities and broadcast production and distribution 
• Running industry sector specific events to showcase the work, and help organisations understand how they can benefit from new technology. 

Joining the new Advanced Communications Services Working Group offers techUK members a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of advanced connectivity in the UK market, helping realise the benefits that 5G, Wi-Fi, satellite and more can deliver for the economy, society and the planet.  

Join the Advanced Communications Serviced Working Group

If you want to get involved, sign up to our next meeting on 15 February 2022. For more information, please get in touch with Alan Nunn, Working Group lead, or Sophie James, Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy.