The UK government announced a £70m investment directed towards the development of next-gen telecommunications. Dr. Kedar Pandya of UKRI expressed optimism, saying, “This investment will provide tangible benefits to the population and economy.”
Joining Forces Globally
Strengthening global ties, the UK is partnering with Australia, Canada, Japan, and the US, forming the Global Coalition on Telecommunications. Alan Davidson, from the US Department of Commerce, mentioned, “This coalition will offer decisive solutions to cross-border telecom matters.”
Strengthening Global Telecommunications
GCOT’s primary mission is to ensure that communication networks remain resilient and adaptable, especially in critical times. Such adaptability is essential when faced with various issues, from disruptions in supply chains to cyber attacks. The coalition will also focus on other areas like research and development, information sharing, and international outreach.
These joint efforts aim to promote industry growth and foster open discussions between policymakers, business representatives, and academic communities.
Investing in Tomorrow’s Telecommunication
The UK Government confirmed a pledge of £70 million to the Future Telecoms through the UKRI Technology Missions Fund, or TMF. This fund will support research and development in the telecommunications sector, focusing on developing 6G technologies and more.
University-led Future Telecoms Research Hubs will take charge of early-stage research, propelling the UK to a leading position in the development of 6G technologies. Alongside these hubs, Innovate UK will sponsor challenges that are application-focused to speed up market solutions and promote collaboration in the country’s telecoms sector.
Through international cooperation, such as the new partnership with GCOT, the UK aims to shape global telecoms technologies in line with its values and ensure the nation’s security interests are protected.
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Driving Telecommunication Benefits for All
Dr Kedar Pandya, Executive Director, Cross-Council Programmes at UKRI, spoke about the investment, emphasising the benefits it would bring both to the UK’s population and its economy. The UKRI Technology Missions funding has set its sights on harnessing the UK’s leadership in transformative technologies to address specific problems, while also laying down strong foundations for a long-term dominant position in the sector.
On top of this investment, the UKRI will also contribute £250 million to the Technology Missions Fund, enhancing capabilities in fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and engineering biology from 2023 to 2025.
World Leaders on Global Telecommunication Matters
Michelle Donelan expressed that this partnership symbolizes a shared dedication to maximizing telecommunications for the greater good of nations globally. She stressed that telecoms networks are essential for global economies, and their resilience and security remain a top concern for many governments.
Sharing similar sentiments, Alan Davidson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, said the telecommunications issues today are global. The coalition aims to help member countries address cross-border matters decisively.
A Glimpse at 6G and Beyond
With a focus on leading the way in 6G technology, the UK is optimistic about the innovations that will come out of this. The goal includes better connections between space-based and terrestrial networks, improvements in data transfer speeds, and enhancing the energy efficiency of networks.
Several UK universities and businesses are preparing to spearhead projects that can improve internet coverage, assist in the rollout of autonomous vehicles, and reduce energy consumption in an increasingly digital society.
Despite the initiative drawing attention, South Korea and EU members have not joined. With the UK leading this group, global telecommunications stand to see benefits in the upcoming years.
