O2 has enter into an agreement with the AutoAir 5G project to be the public and private network provider of 5G connectivity for autonomous vehicle testing at the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire.

The mobile network provider will begin providing the next-generation mobile network technology from June, using its 2.3GHz and 3.4GHz spectrum ahead of beginning its 5G rollout in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and London later this year.

Operated by Dense Air, the on-site network is made up of 59 sites and 89 small cells. Under the 12-month agreement, O2 will integrate the sites and small cells into its public infrastructure.

“5G will play a key role in how our country develops over the next few years,” said Brendan O’Reilly, O2 CTO. “If implemented properly, 5G has the potential to drive economic growth, create jobs and enable a new host of technologies – including self-driving vehicles. That’s why we’re delighted to be supporting the trial activity at Millbrook, alongside ambitious partners who share our vision of building a truly Mobile Britain.”

The AutoAir 5G project is made up of partners including Dense Air, Airspan Networks, Millbrook, Blu Wireless, Real Wireless, the University of Surrey’s 5G Innovation Centre, and the R&D arm of motorsport racing team McLaren.