The UK government has pledged GBP 23 million to fund telecoms research focused on enhancing connectivity in underserved regions across the country. The investment will support various research projects across seven regions, with the goal of delivering significant improvements for both residents and businesses.
Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle, highlighted the importance of shifting the balance of power toward innovation and opportunity, stating that achieving the government’s Plan for Change requires moving away from stagnation and outdated ideas.
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Among the beneficiaries of the funding is Belfast, where Ulster University is developing 5G-in-a-box technology and working on the digitization of operations at Belfast Harbour.
In Greater Manchester, a 5G decarbonization project will leverage advanced technology to establish smart energy grids by connecting air source heat pumps across social housing.
In Scotland, funding will be directed toward using Internet of Things (IoT) technology for health and social care monitoring.
Additionally, the government plans to support the development of a prototype quantum computing system at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Oxford and streamline regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) research projects.
The government believes that by 2035, the UK could significantly benefit from technological advancements across various sectors, including AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and future telecoms, which could strengthen the economy and improve lives nationwide.
