The UK Space Agency (ESA)will invest £3 million to help build a new lab at Harwell Campus near Didcot to carry out research on satellite-based 5G services, media reports said. It is reported that the cutting-edge facility is also backed by the UK government.
Elodie Viau, director of telecommunications at ESA, told the media, “ESA’s novel 5G hub will showcase how space technology enables connectivity, partnering with industry to foster innovation in the realms of autonomous vehicles and smart cities, and to enable machines to exchange information with one another via the internet of things. Adding satellites to existing terrestrial 5G infrastructure is essential to ensure a reliable and safe telecommunications network that supports such connectivity, which in turn promotes a seamless and more environmentally friendly experience. Investing in space improves life on Earth.”
The facility is being established by IT and business consultancy CGI. CGI is working with BT and Avanti Communications as part of the development. CGI will carry out an assessment on 5G’s potential to serve the UK’s rural communities at cheaper costs.
It is reported that the facility will pave the path for businesses to use 5G and satellite technology seamlessly. The 5G services are expected to be extended across the Harwell Campus and will also serve as a key hub for businesses and researchers to conducts experiments.
The main aim of the facility is to showcase the benefits of hybrid 5G and satellite communications networks. It is expected that 5G will deliver ultra-speed than the current 4G.