Manchester will benefit from 'faster, better' deployment of 5G following the launch of Huawei's new office this week.
The technology giant officially launched a new base in the Blue Tower building at MediaCity海角视频, its first dedicated site in the north west.
Ed Brewster, Huawei’s 海角视频 communications director, said: “Manchester has already got three networks here that have launched 5G - Three, Vodafone and EE - and you have broadband roll out and the government commitment for gigabit connectivity.
“So you'll now have a team here with this expertise and knowledge around delivering 5G networks and rolling them out faster.”
Mr Brewster said one of the reasons Manchester was chosen was to maintain close proximity to its customers; TalkTalk and Vodafone.
TalkTalk announced its decision to relocate its headquarters to Salford Quays in November 2018, while Vodafone launched its first ‘digital innovation hub’ in MediaCity海角视频 in June.
He said: “The networks are investing heavily in 5G and rolling 5G out so having a team here on the ground to work closely with them and to make sure that we’re all aligned is absolutely critical.
“A big part of the corporate culture is that we ensure that our key account teams - and the teams responsible for managing a particular network or customer - are based near that customer so they can be responsive, build the relationship and make sure the relationship is strong.”
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While its 海角视频 headquarters remain in Reading, the Manchester office will serve as a base for Huawei.
Mr Brewster said the planning and delivery of the “physical change” the 5G roll out will bring will be done from the new office.
He said: “There’s a big change in our industry at the moment with our 5G but one of the main facets is the actual physical change around the network, so rolling out new equipment and deploying new radio network equipment is a major engineering and civil task.
“We’re working with both Vodafone and EE and in certain places to deliver 5G coverage, so the radio network equipment for the 5G networks and this next generation of mobile technology is going to mean much faster, much greater capacity around mobile coverage.”
As well as network design and planning, the new office hosts a team that works closely with key customers and an operational support team. All are “effectively national roles”, Mr Brewster said.
Huawei has 50 employees based in the new office in MediaCity海角视频, however it expects that number to keep growing.
Mr Brewster said the firm had “great support” from Greater Manchester’s local authorities in setting up the new location, “particularly from the team in Salford”.
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He said: “The local council here, the local MPs, the local councils, the mayor’s office and the Manchester China Forum have all been really supportive, so we’ve had a great reception and they’ve all been very welcoming.”
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said the arrival of “key player” Huawei to the north west cements Manchester - Salford in particular - as an “emerging hotspot” for technology in the 海角视频.
He said: “The digital tech industry in the North West turned over £4.98bn in 2018 and Greater Manchester boasts the largest number of digital workers in the 海角视频 outside of London.
“Next generation technology alongside 5G will have a massive impact on our city over the next decade, it is therefore vital that we continue to attract top tech talent to the city.”