The U.K. government announced a new initiative to help telecom infrastructure firms access funding and resources to create innovative products and services. The government said, by establishing the UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN), it hopes to promote the country’s status as a world leader in broadband and mobile technology according to techradar. Rather than rely on a few major international vendors such as Ericsson and Nokia, the U.K. government hopes to lower barriers to entry and boost competition and innovation. One of the stated driving factors toward establishing the network is the government’s ban on using Huawei as an equipment and service provider.
The network is designed to provide firms with information about where to find funding and testing facilities, as well as provide opportunities to collaborate with others on developing and commercializing their technology at home and abroad.
Various organizations are invited to contribute up to $13.3 million to help establish the center, which will be run by a consortium of companies considered experts in the industry.
“The UK Telecoms Innovation Network will be the first port of call for any telecoms company looking to access R&D funding and a matchmaker for firms looking to join forces on cutting-edge projects,” according to Digital Infrastructure Minister Julia Lopez. “Ultimately this is about making the U.K. the best place in the world to develop rapid and seamless new technology for the digital networks that will power our economy well into the 21st century.”
Over $331 million has been earmarked for the project, with open networking technologies such as OpenRAN of particular interest. The government has also established a taskforce comprising industry and academic leaders and chaired by former BT CEO Lord Livingston to help with these efforts, while it has also encouraged other vendors, such as Samsung, NEC and Fujitsu, to increase their presence in the U.K. market, techradar reported.
Reader Interactions