The UK government has invested £70m in the Future Telecoms UKRI Technology Missions Fund to accelerate the development of new telecommunications technologies.
This new funding will back the country’s ambitions to become a global leader in 6G technology. It aims to enhance data transfer speeds and capacity, while also increasing energy efficiency through network cloudification.
The R&D endeavours aim to benefit the public by expanding Internet coverage nationwide, reducing energy consumption and making the widespread deployment of self-driving cars feasible.
Alongside the funding, the UK has become a member of a new international coalition to strengthen telecoms security, resilience and innovation. The UK joins Australia, Canada, Japan and the US in the newly formed Global Coalition on Telecommunications (GCOT).
The coalition’s role is to maintain resilient communication networks, particularly in the face of supply chain disruptions and cyberthreats.
Derek Mackenzie, CEO of Investigo, part of The IN Group, commented: “Telecommunications networks are the lifeblood of economic activity, connecting businesses and driving productivity. However, there is no point in investing millions into this technology, if you don’t have the next generation of skilled workers in place who can develop and improve it. That’s why these new university-led research hubs will play such a crucial role in equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive, giving the UK a robust talent pipeline for the long term.”
Michelle Donelan, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “This historic partnership reflects our shared commitment to harnessing the power of telecommunications for the benefit of our nations and the world at large. Telecommunications networks are the lifeline of global economies and safeguarding their resilience and security in an evolving, interconnected world is a top priority for our governments.”
“By joining forces, the UK and our partners are well-positioned to lead in expanding supply chains, fostering industry knowledge and nuturing security to tackle emerging challenges.”
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