The UK is forming a telecoms technology partnership with South Korea.

The move is part of government plans to boost innovation in 5G and 6G in the UK.

The UK will invest £1.6 million in a joint-funded £3.6 million competition with the Republic of Korea to collaborate on what the government describes as a “world-first” research and development project to accelerate the development of Open RAN technology.

The government is also inviting universities and telecoms companies to apply for up to £25 million to research and develop the next generation of 5G and 6G network equipment.

It said that the plans mean that mobile phone networks of the future will have more choice of technologies and suppliers.

“The seamless connectivity and blistering speeds of 5G and then 6G will power a tech revolution which will enrich people’s lives and fire up productivity across the economy,” said digital infrastructure minister Matt Warman. “It’s why we’re investing millions and partnering with international allies to unleash innovation and develop new ways to make these networks more secure, resilient and less reliant on a handful of suppliers.”

Share Story: