The North West is leading the way for 5G connectivity, according to new analysis carried out by business advisory firm Deloitte, with over a quarter (29%) of the UK’s 5G deployment currently taking place in the region.
According to the Ookla 5G map, which tracks the availability of 5G across the globe, there are now 21 live 5G sites in the UK. Six of these connectivity hotbeds are located across the North West, exceeding the four found in the West Midlands and three in London.
Network provider Vodafone has pioneered much of the region’s 5G connectivity, with the tech giant supporting services across Birkenhead, Bolton, Liverpool and Lancaster, as well as enabling the UK’s first 5G connected airport in Manchester Airport.
Additional 5G support across Greater Manchester is currently provided by EE, with Three and O2 expected to rollout their 5G coverage across parts of the region by 2020. Additional 5G services are also expected to go live in Warrington and Blackpool by the end of 2019.
Claire Jolly, head of TMT and forensic partner at Deloitte in the North West said: “The impact that 5G connectivity is going to have on the North West region cannot be overstated. With speeds that are expected to be up to 100 times faster than those currently offered by 4G, consumers and businesses alike will be able to benefit from ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity at the touch of a screen.
“5G will be essential in ushering in the next generation of technology, from enabling the deployment of smart cities, to driving forward advances in robotics, AI and machine learning. With all of the major network providers committing to the launch of 5G across the region, North West businesses are in a prime position to take early advantage of the data processing power and efficiency gains that this new network will bring about.”
