Vodafone tests live 5G at Birmingham’s New Street Station
Vodafone has live tested 5G in Birmingham as part of its UK-wide trial, with Birmingham New Street becoming the first train station to use the new mobile technology.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street (above right), tested the region’s new technology on the New Street concourse. Passengers at the station were also invited to test 5G speeds using a 5G router.
When compatible 5G handsets and devices arrive later this year, commuters in busy locations will be able to load a web page or a video instantly. Thanks to super low latency, they will be able to stream a movie or download a work file over 5G seamlessly without buffering or lag.
Vodafone is rolling out 5G to a number of key commuter locations across the UK during 2019. It plans to switch on the new network in 19 towns and cities, including Wolverhampton, by the end of the year.
The introduction of 5G services supports the West Midlands Combined Authority’s strategy to give consumers and businesses in Birmingham and the surrounding area the very latest digital communications.
Live testing is now also taking place at a number of sites across the city. The sites are all connected to Vodafone’s multi-billion-pound single optical fibre converged network, which is already providing customers in the city with fast 4G mobile, home broadband, Internet of Things (IoT) technology and business services.
Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street said:
“I am delighted that Vodafone has brought 5G to Birmingham; and that New Street is the UK’s first 5G-enabled rail station. When I was Managing Director at John Lewis, we saw online shopping transform the retail industry. I believe the West Midlands 5G project will enable our businesses, hospitals, public transport and universities to explore new services and stay ahead of their competition.”
Anne Sheehan, Director of Vodafone Business added:
“We are delighted to bring 5G to the West Midlands, giving businesses, residents and visitors fast and reliable connectivity even in exceptionally busy locations such as train stations and airports. 5G will enable new applications and experiences and support the development of connected cities and smart transport solutions.”
The West Midlands Urban Connected Communities 5G Project (UCC), initiated and jointly funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will create the UK’s first region-wide 5G test bed and will roll out later this year.
You can watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/Sfe3GHmjKqk
