AWTG is proud to share that England’s Connected Heartland (ECH) has been shortlisted for the Industrial Innovation Award at the Connected Britain Awards 2025. As the Key Technology and Delivery Partner for ECH, AWTG leads the charge in demonstrating how 5G can revolutionise connectivity in transport and rural infrastructure, setting new standards for high-performance mobile networks in public transport and industrial settings.
The Connected Britain Awards celebrate the UK’s most impactful digital infrastructure projects, recognising organisations that are shaping the country’s connected future. The Industrial Innovation category honours projects that use advanced technologies such as 5G and IoT to deliver transformative outcomes in industries like transport, manufacturing, and energy. ECH fits this vision precisely, delivering full 5G coverage along the Bicester–Bletchley railway to boost passenger experience, improve railway operations, and promote rural digital inclusion.
The project is made possible through the valued support of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and partners, Oxfordshire County Council, Buckinghamshire Council, West Berkshire Council, Reading Borough Council, Wokingham Borough Council, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Bracknell Forest Council, Slough Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire County Council; whose trust and commitment to digital innovation continue to inspire. Their backing ensures that ECH not only delivers technological excellence but also aligns with broader goals of equity, inclusion, and regional growth.
The ECH project showcases the power of modular, energy-efficient small cell infrastructure to deliver scalable, private 5G connectivity in high-speed and rural environments. The team has successfully tested and validated the solution at Millbrook Proving Ground, recording throughput of over 500 Mbps at 100mph during high-speed trials. These achievements signal a leap forward in what’s possible for future-ready, low-latency connectivity in real-world industrial use cases.
We invite everyone to join us at Connected Britain 2025, taking place on 24–25 September at ExCeL London, where AWTG is a major sponsor and exhibiting at Stand 113. Let’s shape the future of Britain’s digital landscape together!