Vodafone recently became the first company to live test 5G in Birmingham, making the city’s New Street station the first UK train station to test the mobile technology, as part of its ongoing UK-wide trials.

The test was conducted on 4 April with the mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, being the first to have the opportunity to trial the next-generation mobile network before passengers at the station were invited to do the same via a 5G router.

“I am delighted that Vodafone has brought 5G to Birmingham; and that New Street is the UK’s first 5G-enabled rail station,” said Street. “When I was managing director at John Lewis, we saw online shopping transform the retail industry. I believe the West Midlands 5G project will enable our businesses, hospitals, public transport and universities to explore new services and stay ahead of their competition.”

The Birmingham trial is part of Vodafone’s plans to switch on 5G ins 19 towns and cities across the UK by the end of this year.

“We are delighted to bring 5G to the West Midlands, giving businesses, residents and visitors fast and reliable connectivity even in exceptionally busy locations such as train stations and airport,” said Anne Sheehan, director of Vodafone Business. “5G will enable new applications and experiences and support the development of connected cities and smart transport solutions. It will help businesses to implement emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT and robotics. We look forward to continuing to work with Andy Street and his team to deliver the vision of a more prosperous and digitally connected region.”