networks.coop has played a key role in shaping the Lancaster 5G Strategy, helping local businesses and public bodies understand how to harness 5G technology to become more productive, innovative, and sustainable. We have worked closely with Lancaster City Council, local businesses, and Lancaster University to develop the strategy, which sets a roadmap for the district’s digital future.
Key Components of the Strategy
- Supporting 5G Operators:
The strategy encourages mobile network operators to provide 5G services in Lancaster by offering access to public infrastructure and support from local authorities. - Raising Awareness:
Local businesses, council teams, and third-sector are helped to understand how 5G can transform the way they operate, allowing for more flexible working, improved efficiency, and enhanced public service delivery - Economic Opportunities:
The adoption of 5G is expected to boost Gross Value Added (GVA) by up to 1%, translating to an additional £26.8 million annually for the local economy. Key sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, and tourism are poised to benefit from the faster and more reliable connectivity.
Strategic Fit
The Lancaster 5G Strategy aligns with both national and local government strategies:
- UK Government:
The strategy supports national goals related to climate change, digital infrastructure, and “levelling up”. Ofcom policy changes allowing spectrum sharing are expected to improve rural coverage - Lancashire Strategies:
Lancaster's 5G strategy fits with Lancashire County Council’s plans for a county-wide digital strategy, focusing on improving connectivity through collaboration and infrastructure sharing - Lancaster City Council:
The strategy supports economic development priorities; the Health Innovation Campus, Port of Heysham, and Morecambe Centre, by providing the digital backbone for new business models and smarter public services
Opportunities for Lancaster:
- Smart Cities and IoT:
Lancaster is exploring how 5G-enabled smart city technologies can improve public services, such as waste management, energy usage, air quality and traffic monitoring. - Health Innovation:
Working with the Health Innovation Campus and NHS, Lancaster is poised to develop new 5G-enabled health applications that can transform healthcare delivery and improve public health - Tourism and Leisure:
In areas like Lancaster Castle and Canal Corridor, 5G can support new visitor experiences through augmented reality and other location-based services, boosting the local tourism economy