5G for smart communities

5G quality connectivity has the potential to improve digital services in local areas, playing a key role in supporting a long-lasting economic recovery and social cohesion. 5G technology in smart communities will help modernise socio-economic drivers in many sectors, notably in healthcare, education, public administration and transport, making them more efficient and resilient.

By ensuring faster data-transfer speeds, low latency, wider coverage and greater network reliability, 5G technology is also expected to boost the take up of Internet of Things (IoT) systems, which have immense potential to add value to physical objects when connected and integrated into cloud solutions.

The Commission launched three calls as part of CEF Digital. The third call just recently opened. Selected projects will constitute examples of concrete 5G use cases that have the potential of sparking incentive for future 5G-based application developments in different sectors.

A dedicated Coordination and Support Action was also established is to create a set of good practice 5G use cases, which can be re-used as benchmarks for innovative applications also under other funding programmes across the Union.

By supporting the deployment and take up of 5G to support services of general interest in local communities, the 5G for Smart Communities initiative will contribute to raise awareness about the benefits of bringing 5G to all populated areas in Europe, and hence to achieve the new 5G targets set in the Digital Decade Policy Programme for the end of the Decade.

Examples of 5G in smart communities

5GSC Support Platform

The 5GSC Support Platform is a cutting-edge initiative designed to provide comprehensive support to stakeholders participating in the ‘5G for Smart Communities’ action. See a short video on the 5GSC Support Platform.

The Support Platform's mission is to establish a robust networking and knowledge-exchange community, enabling stakeholders to remain up-to-date with the latest information, events and support related to 5G for Smart Communities projects. As part of this effort, the platform offers guidance and best practices for project applications, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions and successfully navigate the complex process.

Other than offering a valuable space for stakeholders to connect and share knowledge, the 5GSC Support Platform offers a range of additional resources and tools to help stakeholders maximise their impact. From access to funding opportunities and technical assistance to training and capacity-building programmes, the platform provides comprehensive support to all stakeholders, regardless of their level of experience or expertise.

In summary, the 5GSC Support Platform is a valuable and necessary resource for stakeholders of the Connecting Europe Facility Digital programme seeking to participate to the ‘5G for Smart Communities’ action. Through its emphasis on collaboration, information-sharing, and comprehensive support, the platform helps stakeholders make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of 5G technology, ultimately advancing the European Commission’s goals for a connected, innovative, and sustainable future.

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