£4m investment to launch 5G innovation hubs – Business News Scotland

The Scotland 5G Centre (S5GC) will today launch a programme to deliver the next stage of the government’s 4G strategy.

Four million pounds has been invested in the S5GConnect Programme, which hopes to accelerate the roll out of 5G across Scotland with a series of Hubs.

It is hoped the Hubs will support economic growth through the deployment and adoption of 5G services across the country.

This morning, Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Energy, Connectivity, and the Islands discussed plans to create a network of  S5GConnect Hubs across Scotland during an online event.

The Hubs plan to work with mobile operators and private network providers to accelerate regional 5G networks, offer a private network with advanced capabilities, as well as access to an accelerator facility and mentoring schemes.

Paul Wheelhouse MSP said: “The 5G revolution presents a significant opportunity for Scotland in the years ahead, particularly as we look to build the economic recovery on the back of Covid-19.

“Now is the time to develop something special for Scotland, by establishing a framework on which we can enhance and widen digital connectivity in all parts of the country through next-generation technologies.

“The Forth Valley Hub will initially focus on the delivery of digital platforms that support job creation, skills programmes, and innovation support for SME and R&D activities.

“Its first project will aim to develop a green data recovery platform, which will create a digital twin to support Scotland’s net zero economy.

“Potential locations for additional hubs across Scotland are being reviewed, with plans for further rollout over the course of 2020 and 2021

“A study conducted by Deloitte in 2019 found that harnessing enhanced 4G and 5G connectivity could increase Scotland’s GDP by more than £17 billion by 2035.”