WALES could be set to become a global leader in 5G technology following the announcement of a new Gwynedd-based Digital Centre of Excellence, supported by nearly £4m EU funds.

The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Centre of Excellence at Bangor University will provide highly specialised research into digital communication systems like mobile phones, WiFi hubs and modern manufacturing lines.

Improvements in DSP are a cost-effective way of speeding up networks, dramatically improving the way that mobile phones, devices and network architecture work.

The DSP Centre of Excellence will look at ways to use existing fibre technology in the 5G network to improve capacity, flexibility, functionality and services.

Brexit Minister Jeremy Miles, who is responsible for EU funding in Wales, said: “The DSP Centre of Excellence puts Wales at the very heart of innovation in this key economic sector, and Bangor University at the top of the ICT research industry.

“EU funding continues to drive progress in R&D, science, infrastructure and skills in Wales, as well as promoting economic growth and creating new jobs. We’ve been clear that we want this funding to continue, to enable Wales to carry on leading research into new technology systems capable of running on low power.”

In addition to the EU funding, Bangor University is leading the project by contributing £1,672,984 funding, with additional funding of £349,262 from private sector partners.

Professor Iwan Davies, Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor said: “This is a fine example of the excellent research conducted at our University.

"It illustrates how research conducted by academics of international standing feeds into innovation and contributes to economic and social impact in our world."