‘Plug-and-go’ solution developed for 5G network on sites

The consortium responsible for delivering the UK’s first private 5G network on a construction site — BAM, AttoCore and BRE — has won funding from Innovate UK to develop a ‘plug-and-go’ solution that can be tailored to the needs of a site and deliver full 5G coverage from the outset.

The original team of BAM, AttoCore and BRE are this time joined by UK SMEs Glideology and Leading Edge Power.

The consortium recognised that construction projects are often delivered in geographically remote locations or in urban contexts where connectivity is not in place at the start of work. The need for continuous, high-quality data connectivity in these situations presents a major challenge says BAM.

The new ‘plug-and-go’ solution is said to supply connectivity straight to the site and once the activity is complete it can be easily removed and installed at another location. The reusable tech can also be used completely off-grid with green power generated.

Just last year, the group switched on a private, stand-alone 5G network for the first time on a UK construction site.

Colin Evison, Head of Innovation at BAM Nuttall said, “It’s great that we’re taking this technology to the next level. During the previous 5G research and development project, we always had in mind that the next evolution was a simpler plug-and-go solution.

“We’re sure that with the Innovate UK funding and our new partners Glideology and Leading Edge Power, we can create an industry-transforming solution that will help ensure we have the right digital connectivity to serve the construction industry”.