Ericsson has said that its involvement in the UK’s 5G infrastructure will create 800 new jobs by 2022 – 250 of which will be at Ericsson – with the company also reporting that its new 5G Centre of Excellence will open in Coventry by the end of 2020.
“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,” said John Griffin, CEO of Ericsson UK & Ireland. “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 recruitment drive will include around 250 roles at Ericsson, with the remaining positions being delivered through Ericsson’s field and resource partners, including roles in build engineering, project management and field operations.
"Today's announcement demonstrates Ericsson’s commitment to excellence in 5G and I look forward to seeing their continued success."
Lord Gerry Grimstone, UK minister.
“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,” said the Minister for Investment, Lord Gerry Grimstone. “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. Today's announcement demonstrates Ericsson’s commitment to excellence in 5G and I look forward to seeing their continued success."
5G Centre of Excellence
As well as introducing a raft of new jobs, Ericsson will also open the doors to its new 5G Centre of Excellence by the end of 2020, which will be situated at Ericsson’s offices in Coventry.
"We will continue to support Ericsson and other providers however we can to deliver an infrastructure revolution for Britain."
Matt Warman, UK minister.
"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,” said Digital Infrastructure Minister Matt Warman. “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."
And there’s still much work that needs to be done in the UK, with a recent report from Analysys Mason, commissioned by Ericsson and Qualcomm, rating the UK’s current 5G rollout as just ‘average’ among European countries, whilst estimating that – despite this – there is still a £14.8 billion opportunity for economic growth based on 5G technology.
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