The UK government has announced that a new telecommunications lab will be launched in the West Midlands borough of Solihull.

The government said the UK Telecoms Lab will help get faster mobile technology rolled out quicker and ensure people can continue to have “full confidence” in UK networks by identifying national security risks and vulnerabilities and ensuring vital equipment and software are protected against cyber-attacks.

The lab, reportedly the first of its kind in the UK, will act as a secure research facility where telecom operators, suppliers and academics will be able to collaborate on projects, conduct research and test out new ways of boosting the security, resilience, and performance of the UK’s mobile networks, said the government.

New research for Birmingham Tech Week shows West Midlands is one of the UK’s fastest growing tech sectors - valued at £15.3 billion, up from £11.5 billion in 2021.

“Fast-growing firms are cementing Birmingham’s status as a tech powerhouse - boosting jobs and spreading economic growth right across the West Midlands,” said tech minister Damian Collins. “As a result, there is no better home for the new UK Telecoms Lab, which will turn the region into a centre for expertise and innovation in the security of next-generation mobile networks.”

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