“In the near-term 5G will support narrow-band IOT, a technology that can communicate with buried monitors for up to 10 years. This enables utilities to monitor flow in pipes, reducing the chance of burst water mains, potentially saving the economy millions per year in delays and repairs. 5G will also support fixed wireless access, providing a broadband connection to the house over the air. This will allow us to push out 100mbps broadband to those not served by current technology, and create a more competitive environment. It may even allow us to get rid of overhead phone wires.
“5G technology will cost billions of pounds to develop, and will create tens of billions of pounds for the UK economy. A small investment now can go a long way to positioning the UK at the very centre of global 5G investment.
“With each wave of technology, new and immediately essential services for productivity and entertainment are created. 5G is an amazing technology that will put the UK at the front of the race to the digital future.”
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