The Secretary of State’s Office for Digital Advancement, Red.es and MWCapital create the 5G National Observatory

20 November 2018

The Ministry of Economy and Business, through the Secretary of State’s Office for Digital Advancement; the public institution Red.es and Mobile World Capital Barcelona Foundation (henceforth MWCapital) have signed an agreement for the creation of the 5G National Observatory.

The Observatory will have shared headquarters at the facilities of MWCapital in Barcelona and Madrid, and an initial budget of one and a half million euros for the coming three years. Its activities will complement and support initiatives set in motion by the Technical Office for the 5G National Plan as part of its work to coordinate public-private synergies in deploying 5G networks and services.

The 5G National Observatory will contribute to standardisation and innovation, the alignment of strategies and the sharing of knowledge of 5G mobile technology throughout Spain. Its activities will include the production of studies and reports on 5G technology, its new uses and its potential impact on society and on the economy, and it will encourage both public-private and research sector collaboration. It is likewise expected to organise an annual event for raising awareness of 5G focused on its applicability in production sectors. The Observatory will also promote training and skills in 5G technologies through work sessions, online courses and workshops.

This initiative will be run in coordination with the 5G National Plan and complement the Spain Enterprise Nation strategy announced on 5 October by the President of the Government of Spain. The Observatory will therefore also encourage entrepreneurship and internationalisation based on the new telecommunications paradigm.

Other institutions, foundations and public or private companies likewise committed to promoting 5G deployment in Spain may also subscribe to the agreement, share experiences and encourage standardisation and innovation.

Official presentation

The 5G Observatory will be officially presented on 29 November in Madrid at an event that will take place at the ‘La Enredadera’ site of Red.es.

5G technology is an essential technological component in digital transformation. Its deployment will allow for the development of the Internet of Things, big data, robotics and virtual reality, will have a crosscutting impact on society and the economy during the coming decade, and will be a catalyst for inward investment and a springboard for inclusive growth.