THE UK’s latest 5G testbed was officially launched at FuseBox in Brighton.

Digital Catapult, Coast to Capital LEP, Wired Sussex and the University of Brighton hosted the event.

They welcomed leaders from the region’s digital technology community to unveil the superfast 5G testbed and showcase technology companies.

The testbed will allow Brighton-based small businesses to benefit from state of the art 5G mobile wireless communications.

It will also provide space to test and explore the potential new applications of 5G.

Dr Jeremy Silver, chief executive at Digital Catapult, said: “The 5G Brighton testbed lets companies experiment with new applications and services which take advantage of the unique nature of 5G.

“This is a major step forward in the wider roll out of this advanced technology, helping take the technology out of university labs and into the market.

“5G represents more than just faster internet on the move.

“It’s the first mobile technology that, by design, enables free standing setup in individual locations, offers new companies the opportunity to control their own networks, and enables operators to manage computing at the edge as a new business model for the future.”

The facility provides an environment where startups and scaleups can access the most advanced digital technology solutions, including an Immersive Lab, enabling these businesses to grow faster.

Digital Catapult and partners encourage local companies to register to take part in using the testbed to develop their ideas.

Sam Gyimah, Science Minister, said: “From virtual to mixed reality, this new 5G testbed will provide the opportunity for bright ideas to flourish, demonstrating the potential of creative and digital sectors in Brighton, and showcasing our modern Industrial Strategy in action.”

Jonathan Sharrock, chief executive at Coast to Capital said: “We are thrilled to have contributed Local Growth Funding towards the 5G Brighton project.

“It is crucial to development key digital sectors in Brighton and the wider region as identified in our Strategic Economic Plan ‘Gatwick 360’. This project enables a number of our strategic priorities to progress, including innovation and improving digital network capability.

“We look forward to working with partners to ensure that our area is well equipped to be at the forefront of emerging technologies and uphold our reputation as a great place to live, work and succeed.”

Ricardo, the global engineering and environment consultancy based in Shoreham, has said that it will be among the first to use the 5G testbed.