New £30 million competition launches to make UK a pioneer in building 5G networks

• £30m to put UK at the cutting edge of developing new tech for 5G mobile networks
• Scheme is a key part  of government’s 5G Diversification Strategy
• Comes as ex-Fujitsu chair Simon Blagden is named as lead for Diversification Advisory Council

A £30 million competition to turn the UK into a leading global destination for developing the next generation of 5G networks has been launched.

The scheme will tackle the world’s over-reliance on a small number of telecoms vendors by developing new, innovative solutions right here in the UK. It will help build confidence in the security and resilience of new 5G technology as it delivers incredible social and economic benefits for people and businesses.

About the Future RAN Competition

The Future RAN Competition (FRANC) will fund innovative R&D projects across the UK to speed up the adoption of a new breed of wireless communication technology – Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) – which allows equipment from multiple suppliers to be used in 5G networks and will end their current dependence on one company’s technology to function. But there are still barriers to Open RAN being used over more traditional mobile network technology.

To receive a share of the £30 million, tech and telecoms innovators are encouraged to submit proposals for projects that will help to fast-track the availability of viable Open RAN products and suppliers and create a stronger case for government and business investment in the technology.

Proposals could include exploring issues around power efficiency, the management of radio wave ‘spectrum’ resource, the availability of advanced software platforms, systems integration and security.

The government hopes the competition fosters research collaboration between international and new homegrown players in the UK’s public telecoms networks.

Its launch follows the opening last week of a new government-backed £1 million high tech lab to help accelerate the adoption of Open RAN technology.

Both schemes are major pillars of the government’s £250 million 5G Diversification Strategy which was published alongside a timetable for the removal of Huawei equipment from 5G networks.

The strategy aims to build a more secure and innovative telecoms supply chain which is fit for the future, less reliant on a small number of multinational suppliers and more accessible for new market entrants. This will help the UK capitalise on 5G’s potential to improve people’s lives with lightning fast connectivity and revolutionary data capacity.

“This competition aims to get some of our most creative minds helping the UK safely and securely deliver the amazing benefits of 5G for people and businesses.

“It is a major part of our plans to harness the country’s tech prowess, open up the telecoms market, and create new jobs and investment as we build back better from the pandemic.”

Matt Warman, Digital Infrastructure Minister

“Today’s announcement is another positive step in driving forward the UK’s telecoms diversification agenda, with concrete action to help support the development of innovative new products for our mobile network infrastructure. It is a clear signal that the UK has a world-leading market in which to innovate and invest, as well as spurring the opportunity for UK tech companies, SMEs and academia to take advantage of this growing global market.

“We find ourselves at the start of a challenging period of time, with pressure on rolling out 5G at pace whilst ensuring our networks are resilient, secure and future proof. That’s why it’s important that government bring forward further plans on supporting open and disaggregated networks, from technical standards to a long term R&D roadmap.”

Matthew Evans, Director of Markets, techUK

The government today also announces the former non-executive chair of Fujitsu UK, Simon Blagden, as the chair of the new Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Advisory Council, an independent expert body to succeed the Telecoms Diversification Taskforce.

The taskforce was commissioned by the government to provide advice on how to effectively deliver a more competitive and diverse 5G telecoms market and submitted its final report in April.

The government today publishes its response to the report and outlines how it will take forward the taskforce’s recommendations across four areas as well as its activity to date.

One of the taskforce’s recommendations was to establish a permanent external body to advise on the delivery of the diversification strategy and wider related issues, including potential supply chain issues in other telecoms equipment such as fixed broadband. The new Advisory Council will fulfil those roles.

“I am greatly enthused to be joining as Chair of the new Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Advisory Council. I am looking forward to working with the Minister, Advisory Council members and the team at DCMS to contribute towards this important agenda.”

Simon Blagden CBE, Chair of the Telecoms Supply Chain Diversification Advisory Council

The Taskforce also recommended investment in R&D that addresses key technical barriers to high-performance Open RAN – a challenge that the FRANC and high tech SONIC lab will take on.

Briefing event

We hosted an online briefing event on Tuesday 13th July from 2:00-4:00pm for you to hear more about competition scope and eligibility, as well as practical advice for making an application. Click here to view the recording and pitches from invited companies/organisations.

Deadline for applications

The deadline for applications for this competition is 27th August 2021, with winning projects expected to be announced in the autumn. Click on the link below to find out more about this competition.