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In an interview with IoT Global Network Magazine our Chairman Mikael Sandberg gives his thoughts on wireless’ heavy reliance on fibre networks and the basic infrastructure needed to make 5G and IoT a reality.

In just five years the Northern tech sector grew by some 619%, making it the fastest growing region for the industry in the whole of Europe. High profile corporations continue to open northern bases, joining the likes of Channel 4, the BBC and KPMG.

‘Unleashing Britain’s Potential’ – the slogan we saw blazed across the Conservative 2019 election manifesto. A document full of pledges to make Britain the land of milk and honey, it showcases the many opportunities Britain can offer, putting it, amongst other things, as the best place to start and grow a business.

‘Get Brexit Done’ has been Johnson’s mantra during the lead up to yesterday’s election and the strong Conservative majority certainly suggests that the agreement will be one he has negotiated. With Brexit taking centre stage, we must ensure that the UK has all the tools necessary to remain a competitive market worldwide.

The IT landscape is fast evolving through various technologies, from big data, AI, connectivity and security, to driverless cars and more sophisticated cloud storage – which make up the smart cities of the future in the UK and beyond. The common theme that unites all these developments is full-fibre infrastructure, and the connectivity needed for all these applications to work.

According to Tech Advocates London, 31 out of 33 London boroughs ‘have no strategy’ for facilitating the rollout of 5G networks. And not a single borough has dedicated any budget at all to its implementation. Despite the wide publication of the vast benefits of 5G, it’s clear that many people are starting to raise the alarm. Certainly, when it comes to the UK capital’s readiness – or lack thereof- for the successful deployment of 5G.

Whilst 5G won’t be available for widespread use until the 2020s, the performance goals are unprecedented for wireless networks.  As a result, the projected performance of 5G has opened-up a debate about whether fibre optic or 5G wireless networks will be better.  But this debate is predicated on a false assumption. 

Swedish firm VX Fiber has teamed up with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to build a full-fibre network across the city – thanks to £9.2 million of Government funding. Work to install the gigabit broadband network is expected to start in parts of the Potteries next week – with the first customers connected as early as February.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is working with Swedish firm VX Fiber to build a 60-mile full fibre network across the Potteries, after securing £9.2 million of Government funding. VX Fiber will start installation in Weston Coyney next week, followed by Meir, Longton, Shelton and Bentilee, with first customers due to be connected by February.

According to Frost and Sullivan’s smart cities report, the global market is forecast to be worth a staggering $1.56 trillion by 2025. This perhaps comes as no surprise given the continuous rise in the number of smart cities being ‘created’ world-wide, from Amsterdam, Dublin and Peterborough, to Dubai, Taipei and New York City.