Verizon has opened its first UK 5G lab in bid to extend its next-generation network clientele into Europe.
The London Lab aims to offer a "live Verizon 5G-enabled environment" where start-ups, academics, companies and organisations to work in and "grow the 5G ecosystem".
They will be encouraged to co-create and test applications and experiences enhanced with 5G, such as autonomous vehicles, virtual healthcare, immersive education, and responsive gaming.
The news comes as the UK expands its 5G network, following the Prime Minister introducing a 35% cap on Huawei equipment. The topic of 5G had previously been a cause of a rift in UK-US diplomatic relations.
The new facility, which is based in Verizon’s Mid City Place office in London, is the company’s first 5G Lab outside of the United States. Verizon has previously opened Labs in New York, Washington DC, Cambridge, MA, San Jose, CA and Los Angeles.
“One of the best ways of unleashing the true possibilities of 5G is getting it into the hands of innovators and visionaries,” said Verizon Business’ Group CEO Tami Erwin. “Our London facility enables our international customers to benefit from this expertise as they look to deploy 5G-enabled applications and experiences.”
Verizon Media’s CEO Guru Gowrappan assured that the London studio offers the same content production facilities and platform as its Los Angeles counterpart.
“The new London studio represents our continued commitment to give our consumers access to premium next-generation experiential content across our global ecosystem of brands,” said Gowrappan. “Verizon Media is providing our publishers and advertisers access to a cutting-edge technology platform, giving them the ability to experiment with 5G, and providing the means to distribute them at scale.”
In addition to its 5G Lab, Verizon is set to open a 5G-enabled 3D content production studio in London in April this year.
