The report – which analyses 5G coverage across the UK’s combined authority areas – suggests that two thirds of West Midlands locations have access from at least one network operator.
According to the organisation, this represents a tripling of coverage since the end of 2021. It also “compares favourably” with other regions, which typically have 5G coverage across “less than half of their geographies.”
Discussing the findings, mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said: “Given the present and future importance of 5G technology here in the UK, it’s great to see our region at the top of the connectivity table.
“By continuing to grow our region’s 5G infrastructure, the West Midlands will remain at the forefront of digital innovation. [It will] harness the power of this technology, attracting investment and driving innovation.”
Robert Franks, managing director of digital innovation company WM5G, said: “This is encouraging news for the region. It reflects the great work WM5G has been doing with mobile operators, local authorities and government to make it simpler, faster and cheaper to deploy connectivity infrastructure across our region.
“Improving broadband access is key to enabling more people to get online affordably, smoothing access to public services and opening up opportunities across the region.”
Last month, Birmingham City Council announced the first open access agreements with telecoms infrastructure providers to use council lampposts to host small cells.
According to Umlaut, these “add greater network coverage and device connection capacity for mobile networks where large masts alone cannot meet user needs.”
