Scottish Government backed 5G body unveils experienced leadership team

An organisation set up last October to accelerate the adoption of 5G in Scotland has named its leadership duo.

The Scotland 5G Centre, which has Scottish Government backing, has appointed Julie Snell as chairman having recently concluded her role as chief executive and director of Bristol is Open.

The Scotland 5G Centre, which has Scottish Government backing, has appointed Julie Snell as chairman having recently concluded her role as chief executive and director of Bristol is Open, the city’s smart infrastructure and computer network company.

Meanwhile, Paul Coffey is taking up the role of chief executive. He is described as a “highly experienced telecommunications expert”, having established his own consultancy practice and previously worked at mobile giant EE.

The Scotland 5G Centre was set up to accelerate the adoption of 5G technology and realise its economic and societal potential for then nation. Last year, a study by Deloitte estimated that significant changes to wireless technologies, including 5G networks, could increase GDP by more than £17 billion.

Conspiracy theories surrounded a possible link between the spread of Covid-19 and the rollout of 5G – something that has since been bebunked.

Snell said: “The Scotland 5G Centre will create a central focus point for everything 5G in Scotland. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us how important it is to ensure everyone has access to good quality connectivity.”

Scotland’s connectivity minister Paul Wheelhouse added: “Digital connectivity is at the heart of Scotland’s economy and communities – the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted just how vital it is for all of us.

“The Scottish Government is investing £5.3 million in the Scotland 5G Centre to take forward our 5G strategy, to accelerate the adoption of 5G - particularly in key areas such as healthcare, energy and transport - and to realise its economic and social potential for Scotland. The roles that Julie and Paul will undertake will be key to achieving this and I look forward to engaging closely with them.”

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