Stuart Anderson, South Shropshire’s Conservatives Parliamentary Candidate, is delighted the Government has announced Shropshire will become a 5G Innovation Region. The region will receive £3.7 million to embed advanced wireless connectivity technology across rural industries, water management, and public services. The River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region will be at the heart of technological innovation and help the area to realise the benefits of 5G and advanced wireless connectivity.
5G Innovation Regions will receive funding to lead on delivering the Government’s vision, as set out in the UK Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, for communities across the UK to take full advantage of the transformative effect that advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies can provide. Shropshire’s participation will drive the adoption of new digital products and services that support public service delivery, whilst enabling key enterprise in water management and rural industries to explore and exploit digital innovation. In turn, it will deliver on the Prime Minister’s priority to build a better, more secure, more prosperous future for the UK, by growing the economy, and creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country. The River Severn Partnership brings together significant partners across 8 counties and covers more than 6,000 sq miles spanning both England and Wales. It is home to 2.6 million people and is projected to increase by 15% over the next 20 years to 2.9 million, equivalent to Greater Manchester.
Stuart said that the programme will spur the adoption of 5G-enabled technologies and services across the region, improving lives and supports local growth. The funding will enable the region to unlock opportunities across the digital economy by utilising advanced wireless connectivity to generate value and growth at the local level. In turn, it will bring the Government’s vision of unlocking the power of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies to life and build a more inclusive, competitive and innovative digital economy - with research showing that widespread adoption could result in productivity benefits of £159 billion by 2035.
Stuart Anderson said:
“Improving public services is a top priority of mine and the adoption of 5G-enabled technologies will play an integral role in this. With this £3.7 million investment from the Government, the River Severn area will be at the heart of technological innovation in the delivery of frontline services - enabling the water management and rural industries to realise the benefits of advanced wireless connectivity and drive local growth.”
Minister of Data and Digital Infrastructure Sir John Whittingdale said:
“We’re channelling millions into local areas to unlock the potential of cutting-edge 5G wireless and digital technologies which will reshape our public services, drive economic growth and boost innovation. This new fund will give local areas from across the country the opportunity to be at the forefront of Britain’s world-leading 5G revolution. For instance, by using 5G for farming and creating science parks, we’re not just helping local communities, but also encouraging new ideas all over the UK. This is more than just linking smartphones. It’s about using powerful digital connections to transform various sectors in the economy and the public sector throughout the entire country.”
