5G in Places

UK5G has launched a new hub aimed at local and regional authorities and local enterprise partnerships. Called 5G In Places, it’s a resource that focuses four key focus areas: local community engagement; infrastructure; coordination, leadership and execution; and procurement and partnerships.

consideration also needs to be given to ownership and access issues, and planning regulations.

For local authorities, effective crossdepartmental collaboration is essential, and changes to organisational structures may be required. Designing, building and operating 5G networks will likely mean collaboration with other organisations and specialists. Here the hub offers first-hand insights and best practices. Successful partnerships require recognition that private sector partners must be able to make a profit, and clear identification of what the local authority can contribute.

5G can power technologies to transform the way we live and work in our towns and cities. The network can enable intelligent transport systems, helping to efficiently manage the flow of traffic, minimising congestion and reducing carbon emissions: cities can even prioritise certain transport modes such as buses or cyclists, enabling real-time route optimisation for delivery drivers and protecting vulnerable road users keeping the roads safe, as well as people and businesses moving.

UK5G TAPPED LOCAL authorities, innovation projects, digital innovation zones and LEPs across the breadth and depth of the UK for input on what they’ve learned so far. The result is a collection of key insights, assets, resources and guides that can be replicated and adapted to help places on their journey to 5G.

At a recent UK5G Event, Rick Robinson, Chair of the organisation’s Connected Places Working Group emphasised how communities should work together both on the physical installation of infrastructure and the adoption and usage of 5G. Better outcomes result when your communities are engaged and can understand the opportunities. Issues around data stewardship and security also need to be considered and communicated, and 5G can bring some specific challenges around addressing health fears and dealing with planning objections to masts. Identifying and bringing all relevant parties together at the start of the process, to identify and commit to the collective ambition, will always play a pivotal role.

Advice on the hub ranges from hiring external communications channels to monitoring community forums, and from holding town hall meetings, to tips on finding engagement specialists to engage with harderto-reach sections of society.

To deploy 5G in your area also requires careful consideration of infrastructure. You need to gain an understanding of what is already in place — such as ducting, buildings and street furniture — and what else will be required, for example, fibre for backhaul or power sources. Additional infrastructure may also be needed for specific sites, so

Yet, arguably, the value of 5G will be most appreciated in rural areas, where communities face challenges such as patchy public transport services and social care provision. From tourism to farming, rural regions contribute significant value to regional prosperity and GDP. Here, 5G can help to improve operational efficiencies, drive productivity and deliver more engaging.

Vicki DeBlasi Head of Marketing UK5G

Having worked as a marketer in the technology industry for more than 15 years, DeBlasi is fascinated by ways in which complex subjects can be made relevant and engaging for different audiences. She has worked with the 5G Testbeds and Trials programme since it started and is fully versed in the processes, people and projects.