Revolutionizing Connectivity: The New 5G Network Set to Transform Harwell Science and Innovation Campus

Organizations at a science campus near Didcot will soon enjoy the benefits of wireless 5G connectivity.

Oxfordshire County Council has selected Vodafone to create and manage a dedicated 5G network for Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. Work on this project is set to start in the coming weeks.

This initiative is part of England’s Connected Heartland, a special region focused on 5G innovation. This program encompasses areas like Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Central Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. It is coordinated by Oxfordshire County Council and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

The goal is to speed up the use of advanced wireless technology to gain economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Councillor Liz Leffman, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, expressed excitement about the partnership with Vodafone. She believes this new 5G infrastructure will unlock the potential of innovative technology at Harwell. This will help businesses on the campus thrive.

Claire Harris from Vodafone UK shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that this project will enhance efficiency and productivity. It will also create new opportunities for businesses and research centers, leading to economic growth in the UK.

The project is funded by the central government and aims to showcase how advanced wireless connectivity can benefit industries like advanced manufacturing. Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is home to various laboratories, start-ups, and research organizations. It includes the European Space Agency’s facility for space applications and telecommunications, which also features a 5G/6G hub aimed at integrating satellite and terrestrial networks.

The new 5G network will provide a high-speed and secure connection for the campus. This customized network can meet specific connectivity needs that public networks cannot, enabling advanced applications like asset tracking, drone detection, machine-to-machine connectivity, condition monitoring, and augmented and virtual reality.

Dr. Barbara Ghinelli, director of innovation clusters at UK Research and Innovation, emphasized that the 5G network will empower researchers and developers at Harwell. She sees this project as a model for introducing 5G at other science parks in the region, which could significantly benefit UK industry.