Why Slough has the 5G Edge

Slough, a key node in the UK's digital infrastructure, is rapidly emerging as a strategic hub for private 5G networks and edge computing. With its proximity to London, robust transport links, and established data centre presence, the town is attracting enterprises seeking next-generation connectivity solutions.

Future proofing 

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, offering significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity than its predecessors. In the UK, the rollout of 5G is crucial for supporting a more connected and digitally advanced society, enabling everything from smart cities and autonomous vehicles to more efficient healthcare and manufacturing systems. Its ability to handle vast amounts of data in real-time makes it essential for innovation and productivity. For businesses, investing in 5G opens up opportunities to improve operations through automation, remote working, and enhanced customer experiences, giving them a competitive edge in an increasingly digital global market.

Slough gets the Green Light 

O2 has officially started rolling out its 5G network, selecting its hometown of Slough as one of six initial launch locations across the UK. The next-generation network is designed to enhance capacity and reliability in high-demand areas such as train stations, business districts, and entertainment or sports venues. In Slough, 5G has now been activated in key hotspots, including around O2’s headquarters on Bath Road and at the train station.

O2’s new 5G network will launch with no premium, including its new ‘limitless’ tariff, offering consumers unlimited data browsing, as well as its existing custom plans, which will ensure customers have the flexibility to take advantage of 5G on their terms. The company is also working in the construction, retail, transport and utility sectors to understand how businesses will benefit from 5G. There will also be 5G innovation spaces to make next generation 5G test environments, with the ultimate aim of fuelling future innovation to boost the British economy.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council says: “We’re delighted that Slough has been chosen as one of the first towns in the UK to benefit from O2’s 5G rollout. As a forward-thinking borough, we welcome the opportunities that enhanced connectivity brings, not just for our residents, but for the many businesses that call Slough home. Access to 5G will help drive innovation, attract investment, and support the town’s ambitions for economic growth and digital transformation.”

Tech Savvy Slough 

Slough is one of the most diverse and tech-savvy towns in the UK, boasting the highest concentration of global corporate headquarters in the UK outside of London, with major companies like O2, McAfee, and GlaxoSmithKline establishing their presence here . This corporate influx is supported by a skilled and diverse workforce, with approximately 2.6 million professionals residing within a 60-minute commute. In fact, a report by ‘Centre for Cities’ announced that Slough has the second highest GVA per worker, behind only London. The same report also cited Slough as having the third highest start-up rate in the UK and placed it in the top 10 for the number of patents published.

Business is booming and is supported by the fact that Slough is a ‘Gigabit City’ as a result of CityFibre’s pure-fibre digital infrastructure. CityFibre’s network provides a future-proofed alternative to the city’s capacity-constrained copper network and will totally transform Slough’s digital infrastructure with gigabit speeds and world-class connectivity. 

Attracting Enterprise Tenants

The integration of private 5G and edge computing infrastructures is making Slough's business parks increasingly attractive to enterprises. Companies are drawn by the promise of enhanced connectivity, operational efficiency, and the ability to leverage cutting-edge technologies to gain a competitive edge.

As industries continue to digitise, the demand for such advanced infrastructure is expected to rise, positioning Slough as a frontrunner in the next wave of business connectivity.