Liverpool-based Sensor City awarded £3.5m to lead 5G impact study

Liverpool’s Sensor City has secured a seven-figure grant to investigate the benefits of 5G community Wi-Fi in the health and social care sectors.

The city centre-based innovation hub will use the £3.5m boost to lead a consortium of SMEs, NHS bodies, public sector health suppliers, university researchers and a 5G technology vendor to explore the potential of fifth generation mobile communications technologies.

The project, funded for one year initially, will see technologies such as open source 5G networks, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and Internet of Things deployed across deprived Liverpool City Region communities.

Sensor City will measure the impact of the initiative on areas including patient monitoring, support and communication between hospitals and residents.

The grant comes under the 5G Testbeds and Trials programme, part of a Government strategy to keep the UK at the forefront of connectivity by facilitating next generation digital infrastructure.

The programme is spearheaded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Margot James MP, Minister of State for Digital and the Creative Industries, said: “One year on from the Digital Strategy, we are delivering on our commitments to create a Britain fit for the future, with a thriving digital economy that works for everyone.

“The ground-breaking project announced for Liverpool today will help to unlock 5G and ensure the benefits of this new technology are felt across the economy and wider society.”

Sensor City executive director Alison Mitchell commented: “Sensor City is proud to lead on what is set to be a truly groundbreaking project with a consortium of like-minded partners.

“The Government’s 5G strategy for the UK presents a fantastic opportunity to transform the lives of many, especially through health and social care, so I think I speak for all partners when I say we’re excited to see this work unfold over the next five years.”

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