A trial scheme between the UK and South Korea will see 5G-powered ‘infotainment’ experiences for commuters on the Glasgow Metro.

The UK Government’s digital minister, Margot James, announced the £2.4 million ‘5G RailNext‘ project earlier this week, which aims to test how 5G services can provide “uninterrupted ‘infotainment’ services” that could deliver augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) content for passengers.

This will likely include real-time travel information, video streaming and gaming, through to services accessible through wearable devices such as headsets.

Initially, the project will run across the Seoul Metro system, with a follow-up demonstrator in Glasgow, and long-term the UK Government hopes to explore future use on the London Underground system.

“5G is the future of connectivity and we want the UK to be a world leader,” James commented. “This collaboration with South Korea will explore innovative ways to use the technology to deliver content and services on transport networks in Seoul and Glasgow.

“I’m delighted that this will create new partnership and business opportunities for UK SMEs, academia and local government.”

5G RailNext is a private and public sector consortium, led by Cisco, which includes a host of British SMEs, the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow City Council. The British and South Korean Government’s will provide up to £1.2 million grant funding each to support the scheme.

The project was launched in April this year amid efforts to boost South Korean investment in the UK and forms part of the government’s £200 million 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme – which is assessing how best to maximise opportunities for UK businesses developing 5G applications and services.

Tony Gribben, country manager at Cisco Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be working with DCMS and such innovative partners on this project. More so than any other wave of connectivity, 5G presents an opportunity to ensure every industry can benefit from connectivity and the added value it provides to society.

“With Glasgow Metro one of the oldest in the world, what more challenging a relatable environment to trial than a moving metro train, equipped with the latest in augmented reality technology.”

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