On-demand recording: 5G technology - powering the COVID-19 recovery
The many ways in which people are connecting and communicating as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak are reinforcing how important it is to have a 5G mobile network across the UK.
Collaboration tools have provided face-to-face digital contact for those working and socialising with friends, as well as essential services such as doctor’s appointments. There has also been an increase in fitness and lifestyle streaming services, underpinned by digital services.
At the same time, COVID-19 has exacerbated the 5G network roll-out. While the telecommunications sector has been working day and night to maintain networks, it has seen an increase in attacks on mobile phone masts and engineers from those who believe the conspiracy theories on 5G and its supposed link to the pandemic. These indiscriminate attacks have left thousands of people without connectivity, disrupting their links to emergency services and loved ones. They have put the safety of telecommunications engineers – who are keyworkers – at risk.
The telecommunications sector is working hard to support both its workforce and the communities in which it works, to overcome this challenge.
In a pan-industry approach, it is also collaborating with government to try to correct misconceptions around 5G.
The constraints presented by COVID-19 will mean short-term slowdown in the physical roll-out of 5G, but over the longer term, 5G will be crucial to rebuilding the UK economy as it recovers from the lockdown. Enhancing the current mobile network for 5G expands the digital potential for smarter cities, paving the way for improved monitoring in such key areas as public safety, health and air pollution. The need to invest in 5G for the future is, therefore, more urgent than ever.
During this 15 minute on-demand recording we are joined by two experts from Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL) and Three UK.
Listen to discover:
- What has been learned from our reliance on digital connectivity through COVID-19
- The challenges conspiracy theories on 5G have caused
- The potential impacts COVID-19 will have on the future roll-out of 5G in the UK.
Our guest speakers
Pat Coxen, CEO of MBNL, one of the world’s most extensive and successful Mobile Network sharing Joint Ventures delivering mobile network services to Three and EE/BT. Pat has been involved in Mobile Telecoms for 20 years.
Patrick Binchy, Chief Technology Officer at Three UK. Patrick is responsible for delivering the best possible experience for Three’s customers through a quality network experience. His current focus is ensuring Three’s Operations and Network are robust and available during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Further resources
Please visit our COVID-19 response page for all of our resources relating to the impact of COVID-19 on the construction sector.