The UK’s 5G Innovation Regions programme has been a flagship effort to showcase the potential of advanced wireless to drive local growth, boost productivity, and foster innovation. With the first wave of projects now well underway, it’s the right time to take stock. 

This webinar will explore what has worked, where challenges remain, and what needs to happen next to convert pilot successes into lasting commercial impact. Drawing on insights from regional programme leads from across the country, we will examine the real-world lessons from deploying cutting-edge 5G infrastructure at scale. 

 

Key discussion areas: 

  • Proven success stories: where 5G has delivered tangible regional benefits 

  • Common pain points: barriers to scaling and lessons from stalled projects 

  • Collaboration models: what’s helping (and hindering) cross-sector partnerships 

  • Navigating the commercial cliff: sustaining momentum beyond initial funding 

  • Global comparators: what the UK can learn from international innovation hubs 

  • Next steps for 2026: funding priorities, policy enablers, and scaling pathways 

 

This session is aimed at local authorities, vendors, operators, and innovators looking to build on the achievements of the 5G Innovation Regions programme while addressing the structural, regulatory, and commercial challenges that remain. 

Confirmed speakers to be announced soon 

 

Communications Infrastructure Programme activities

techUK brings together government, the regulator, telecom companies and stakeholders to help the UK maximise the benefits of adopting advanced communications services. We ensure our members have a clear understanding of market developments, customer requirements, and government priorities. Visit the programme page here.

Upcoming events

8 September 2025

Cyber confidence for London Businesses

London Partner event
15 September 2025

Advances in Satellite to Ground Connectivity Workshop

West Hub, JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge CB3 0US Workshop
17 September 2025

Satellite Telecommunications Committee Meeting Q3 2025

London and Online Meeting

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 Meet the team

Sophie Greaves

Sophie Greaves

Associate Director, Digital Infrastructure, techUK

Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Communications Infrastructure and Services  Programme at techUK, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.

Sophie was promoted to Head having been Programme Manager for Communications Infrastructure and Services, leading techUK's telecoms activities, engagement and policy development. Previously, Sophie was Programme Assistant across a variety of areas including the Broadband Stakeholder Group, Central Government, Financial Services and Communications Infrastructure programmes.

Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
020 7331 2038
Twitter:
@SJMJames1,@SJMJames1
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/

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Tales Gaspar

Tales Gaspar

Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK

Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.

In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).

Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+44 (0) 0207 331 2000
Website:
www.techUK.org
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar

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Josh Turpin

Josh Turpin

Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK

Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.

In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.  

Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.

Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.

Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
020 7331 2038
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/

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