At a time when unemployment is at record highs, Ericsson’s announcement that it expects to create new jobs in the UK is welcome news.
The Swedish telecommunications vendor predicts that its 5G rollout will support the creation of around 800 additional jobs across the UK over the next couple of years.
Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman said:
“I welcome this investment in the UK by Ericsson which will create hundreds of skilled jobs across the country and accelerate the nationwide rollout of 5G.
We’re working hard to build a world-class 5G network, including introducing landmark legislation to boost telecoms security and a new strategy to diversify the supply chain.
We will continue to support Ericsson and other providers however we can to deliver an infrastructure revolution for Britain.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit many sectors hard, but it has also underscored the essential need to invest in digital connectivity.
Investment Minister Lord Gerry Grimstone added:
“The UK’s highly skilled workforce and dedication to world-class innovation continues to make it one of the most attractive business environments for tech investors.
As our economy recovers from the impact of Covid-19, inward investment in cutting-edge technologies across the UK will help us to build back better nationwide, levelling up the UK.”
By the end of 2020 Ericsson plans to open a new 5G Centre of Excellence at its Coventry offices.
The centre is designed to increase the UK’s 5G deployment capacity by supporting the design, integration and commissioning of mobile network sites across the country.
Ericsson’s facility will give engineers and field service teams hands-on access to the latest 5G technology and provide training to develop the skills needed to accelerate the transformation of the UK’s digital infrastructure.
John Griffin, CEO of Ericsson UK & Ireland, commented:
“Investment in 5G technology is fundamental to the future of the UK and as a global leader in 5G, we are putting in place all of our technology and expertise to deliver a cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure that will support the growth of new jobs, kick start the UK economy and create a platform of unparalleled innovation.
With agreements in place to support a rapid 5G rollout for all four major UK mobile network operators, we are boosting our local delivery capabilities to support the UK’s ambitious connectivity targets and help prepare for a digital future that is full of exciting 5G opportunities for consumers and new industries.”
The UK was among the first European countries to deploy 5G and initially emerged as a leader in the latest generation of mobile networks. That early lead has softened: recent analysis described the UK’s current 5G rollout as “average” compared with other European countries.
Analysts estimate that if the UK fully harnesses 5G’s potential across key business and industrial sectors, it could unlock up to £14.8 billion in additional economic growth.
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