Public trials of next-generation 5G mobile technology lined up for Cambridge

Innovative public trials of next-generation mobile technology will be held in Cambridge next year.

A live music performance with augmented reality (AR) is expected at Cambridge Corn Exchange, enabling people both inside and outside the venue to experience the show in real time. And AR and game experiences are being lined up, through which participants can enjoy a virtual car showcase or interactive art installation.

The experiences will showcase the potential of advanced 5G Open RAN network.

Led by Connecting Cambridgeshire, a local authority group led by the county council, the trials are designed to push the technology to its limits and bring it to life for residents and visitors.

The 5G-powered experiences are due to take place between February and March and will also includes live-streamed gaming and a silent disco, showing how the technology handles data-heavy, interactive tasks in real-time.

The trials are part of the Cambridgeshire Open RAN Ecosystem (CORE) project.

Cllr Lorna Dupré, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s environment and green investment committee, which oversees the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme, said: “This is an incredibly exciting moment for Cambridge. The CORE project is showcasing how 5G technology can enhance the way we connect, work, and experience our city. By testing cutting-edge applications in real-life settings, we’re unlocking opportunities to transform public spaces, support businesses, and offer residents new, immersive experiences.

“We’re inviting everyone to register for updates and get involved.

“Whether you’ll then be enjoying live music enhanced with augmented reality headsets or trying out a high-tech gaming experience, you’ll be helping us shape the future of connectivity right here in Cambridge.”

The CORE project is creating a standalone, flexible, high-capacity mobile network, able to handle data demands in busy urban spaces and large-scale events in ways not seen before.

It benefits from funding from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, plus support from a consortium of technology companies, universities and mobile operators.

The first private indoor and outdoor 5G sites have already been installed and activated in Cambridge city centre under the project, and initial testing is under way to ensure the network can manage the high-density demands of bustling locations.

Whether you are a tech enthusiast, live music fan, or simply curious, you can get involved in testing the capabilities of its 5G Open RAN network by registering for updates via [email protected].

You can find more information on the CORE project web page and can follow the progress via the hashtag #COREHDD on LinkedIn and X.