The University of Sunderland, BAI Communications and Sunderland City Council have announced a partnership to deploy advanced wireless technologies across the university’s campuses as part of the smart city roll out.
A 5G test lab will be developed on the university’s Sir Tom Cowie campus, making it one of the UK’s first 5G-enabled universities. The university will also benefit from technology-enhanced teaching environments and research opportunities for the use of 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) in key local sectors including manufacturing and health care. It is anticipated that the tech improvements will also open up further digital employment possibilities for students.
Other features include a new IoT network across the university’s campuses, which will improve operational efficiency for services such as estate management and footfall analytics. Enhanced public WiFi will be available across the campuses, using EduROAM to give students, staff and visiting guests access to the new ultra-fast public WiFi service being made available across the centre of Sunderland and Roker as part of its smart city infrastructure roll-out.
The announcement marks a significant step in Sunderland City Council’s ambition of creating the UK’s most advanced smart city, though it should perhaps be noted that other cities including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Hull, Manchester and London have publicly stated similar ambitions regarding smart city roll out.
Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said: “For Sunderland, becoming a smart city is about realising our potential, and education is at the heart of that. Putting the University of Sunderland at the forefront of innovation in 5G and Internet of Things technologies will open up new opportunities for students, businesses and residents in Sunderland. Our city has a proud industrial history and our partnership with BAI Communications will make Sunderland a hub for the digital industries of the future. The university plays a crucial role in providing the skills and innovation needed to achieve that.”
The roll out of smart city technologies across Sunderland is set to bring a wide range of benefits to students, businesses, visitors and residents alike. Other developments include the improvement of wireless infrastructure services within the Stadium of Light, home of Sunderland AFC, enhancing services for guests and upgrading the fan experience.
