UK invests £70 million to 'next-generation' telecommunications technology

The UK government has made a commitment of £70 million to advance the development of "next-generation" telecommunications technology. This investment will boost the UK's participation in international collaborations within the telecoms sector as it will yield significant benefits for both the nation's population and its economy.

Dr. Kedar Pandya, the Executive Director of Cross-Council Programmes at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) spoke about the importance of this funding which will be channeled through the Future Telecoms UKRI Technology Missions Fund Programme.

In the global nature of telecommunications challenges, the UK has united with countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States to form a worldwide telecoms coalition. This joint collaboration is to foster cooperation across various aspects of telecoms research and development, information exchange and international engagement.

Alan Davidson, the Assistant Secretary for Communications at the US Department of Commerce, stated that the global relevance of telecommunications issues will enable the US and its partners to effectively respond to both international opportunities and challenges.

Additionally, the UK's tech secretary, Michelle Donelan, revealed the Regional Innovation Fund, which is geared towards promoting research and development within the UK. While discussing the importance of scientific research, Donelan stressed the government's commitment to facts and evidence. She expressed concerns about what she referred to as "creeping wokeism" creeping into scientific research, showing her dedication to safeguarding the core values that drive scientific inquiry and progress.

This investment and international collaboration shows the UK's determination to lead the way in the ever-evolving field of telecommunications technology while upholding the principles of robust scientific research and innovation.