England's Connected Heartland
Releasing untapped economic, social and environmental benefits with advanced wireless connectivity.
England’s Connected Heartland (ECH) brings together local authorities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Central Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire with a mission to accelerate advanced wireless adoption across the region.
Co-ordinated by Oxfordshire County Council, we’re creating a blueprint that can be adopted throughout ECH and beyond to benefit the whole of the UK.
Projects
Projects
We’re currently engaged in two significant projects that directly contribute to regional prosperity. First, we’re establishing a framework for 5G Mobile Private Networks at Science and Innovation Campuses, with Harwell leading the way. Second, we’re developing a new commercial model for delivering passenger connectivity, starting on a section of the new track between the Bicester and Bletchley route of The East West Rail project.
In numbers
Major projects to improve advanced wireless connectivity
Local authorities partnering together as part of the ECH 5G Innovation Region
Years to kick off our initial projects, with vast potential for further investment and projects
Latest news
5G industry deep dive: transport and logistics
Over nine million people in the UK live in rural areas. Yet many still lack access to reliable digital infrastructure. Advanced 5G ... Read more
England’s Connected Heartland shortlisted for Industrial Innovation Award
England’s Connected Heartland is delighted to share that our 5G Railway Project, with delivery partners AWTG, has been shortlisted for ... Read more
5G industry deep dive: manufacturing
Making the most of advanced connectivity solutions could add £6.3 billion of value to the UK’s manufacturing industry by 2030, ... Read more
More from ECH
Our partners
Collaborating for impact: Co-ordinated by Oxfordshire County Council, ECH is a partnership of 10 local authorities in the heartland region. Together, we’re uncovering the benefits advanced wireless connectivity can bring.
Benefits of 5G
Private 5G networks offer advanced, tailor-made connectivity and huge opportunities to innovate; but navigating this market can be confusing. Find out more about the vast potential of advanced wireless connectivity for the Advanced Manufacturing and Transport industries.