A new 5G hub has launched in Birmingham with the aim of helping business and public sector organisations tap into the benefits of the new technology.
Called '5G accelerator', it is being run by a consortium led by telecoms giant O2, working with financial services firm Deloitte and start-up support firms Wayra and Digital Catapult.
The hub is based at the iCentrum building on Innovation Birmingham Campus, with two further 5G accelerators due to open later this year in Coventry and Wolverhampton although their exact locations are yet to be announced.
The accelerators comprises office and demonstration spaces with access to cutting-edge 5G technology, both indoors and outdoors, and all three venues will have access to private 5G networks.
These will enable businesses and public sector organisations to experiment with 5G features that are not yet commercially released.
This will be combined with the latest devices, professional advice and technical support.
It is hoped that, by using the 5G accelerators, organisations will be able to experience a live 5G network, discover its benefits and work with innovators to take advantage of the technology through new applications and services.
At least 2,000 private sector businesses and public sector organisations from across the West Midlands and beyond are expected to benefit from the three hubs over the next five years.
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All three facilities will be branded as 5PRING with the consortium match funding public sector investment into them.
The contract has been awarded to the consortium by West Midlands 5G (WM5G), the organisation delivering the 海角视频's first region-wide 5G testbed backed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and West Midlands Combined Authority.
The physical launch of the facility in Birmingham has been affected by the coronavirus outbreak so WM5G and the consortium are reviewing operations including remote access options but parties can register their interest from today.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "I am delighted the West Midlands is to be the first region in the 海角视频 to launch these cutting edge 5G innovation centres.
"These new centres will allow thousands of businesses and organisations across the region to experience 5G first-hand and this will be a great advertisement for the West Midlands as we look to encourage more businesses to relocate here."
Derek McManus, chief operating officer at O2, said: "O2 has championed 5G business innovation for a while now and we are incredibly pleased to have been awarded this contract.
"Being able to help businesses in the West Midlands realise the potential of 5G is a fantastic opportunity and something we are excited to bring our expertise to."
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Robert Franks, managing director of WM5G, added: "The West Midlands has a proud heritage leading the previous industrial revolution.
"Through the 5G accelerators that we're launching in partnership with O2 and its consortium, our region is in prime position to lead the next industrial revolution."
Law firm Trowers & Hamlins advised WM5G on the project.
Partner Amardeep Gill said: "This is an extremely exciting time for our region to be at the forefront of innovative technology, bringing significant benefit to at least 2,000 businesses and public sector organisations from across the West Midlands.
"There will be a ripple effect of this project in attracting investment and business development through the use of ground-breaking technology, not only in our region, but across the rest of the 海角视频 as this is implemented further.
"We look forward to the new opportunities this opens up for businesses and communities, notwithstanding the current climate."