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.
Innovation Exchange
ECH is bringing together telecoms experts with potential users, sharing successful use cases of 5G, creating market demand, and helping the supply chain connect with advanced wireless buyers. Visit our Innovation Exchange page to sign up for the newsletter and find out more.
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
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
From the lab to the track: ECH’s innovative 5G Railway network validated at high-speed Millbrook testing event
On Monday 16th June 2025, the England’s Connected Heartland (ECH) programme hosted a landmark event at Millbrook Proving Ground in ... 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.