Leatherhead, UK – 18 November 2013 – AIRCOM International, the leading independent network design and optimisation software and solutions provider, has revealed that it is a member of a new consortium that is investing over £30 million to deliver a specialised 5G Innovation Centre at Surrey University. AIRCOM and 12 other telecoms industry leaders will provide their expertise in the provisioning and deployment of network engineering.

The consortium will assist the University of Surrey with its research into the development of advanced 5G technologies. The intention is to establish a world-leading position in mobile broadband communications and internet innovation. The project will include the development of a 5G “test bed”, based on the University campus, which can be used to simulate anticipated real-world network conditions.

Stephen Bowker, Chief Technology Officer at AIRCOM International said: “We are very excited and proud to be involved in this project, with such a prestigious line-up of academic and industry partners. The introduction of 5G technology will be an important development for the mobile industry. Recognition of this evolution from the academic community is fantastic and will ensure ongoing innovation for the future of the industry, with technologies that have been scientifically researched, developed and tested.”

The project has now been granted planning permission and work is underway to build the world’s first centre for research into the future of mobile technology at the main campus in Guildford. The expected completion date is January 2015, and once finished, AIRCOM will be helping to support the University’s 150 researchers and around 100 PhD students.