technology HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL OF 5G CONNECTIVITY


The next generation of connected technology will bring about huge changes to the way we work, live, communicate and travel, writes Robert Wood, partner and head of office, Osborne Clarke, Thames Valley


Reading and the Thames Valley are consistently identified as being among the most successful and dynamic places in the country in which to do business.


Numerous studies have highlighted the region’s high levels of growth and prosperity, and the fact that it is home to the UK’s leading technology cluster.


So it came as no surprise when Vodafone announced that both Reading and Newbury would be among the locations to receive its superfast fifth generation (5G) internet by the end of this year, following the service’s initial roll-out to the UK’s biggest cities.


The next generation of mobile internet connectivity, particularly 5G, promises much faster data download and upload speeds, wider coverage and more stable connections.


These benefits are examined in more detail in our recent Next-generation connectivity report, where we commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit to conduct research among senior executives across 11 countries. The report highlights not only 5G mobile networks, but other advances such as full-fibre broadband and satellite internet technology.


The next generation of connected technology, particularly fifth generation mobile networks, will bring about huge changes to the way we work, live, communicate and travel.


As a result, the possibilities for businesses in the Thames Valley are endless.


With greater speeds and capacity, along with lower latency, companies can transform how they do businesses and enable new applications – whether that’s driverless car technology, remote surgery, sophisticated real-time drone management or even building smart cities.


Harnessing the potential of next generation connectivity will require investment, strategic initiatives, new partnerships, and redesigned business processes and even business models. Those that embrace it now will find they have the competitive edge in this new era of connectivity.


With offices in 24 international locations, including Reading, London and Bristol, Osborne Clarke has a wealth of technology expertise and our lawyers can help you to navigate through these changes.


Our Thames Valley office has advised on a range of high- profile transactions in recent months including:


• advising G3 Comms, the business communications provider and network integrator, on an investment by private equity firm Apiary Capital. Under the terms of the deal, Apiary acquired a majority stake in G3 Comms and will provide additional follow-on funding to enable the company to accelerate its growth both organically and through acquisition.


• the $350 million acquisition of Basingstoke-based NewVoiceMedia, an industry-leading cloud contact centre-as-a-service provider, by Vonage Holdings.


8 businessmag.co.uk THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – JULY/AUGUST 2019


Osborne Clarke’s relationship with NewVoiceMedia – the world’s largest privately-owned, pure-play, cloud contact centre company – began with Ray Berg, now our UK managing partner, who first started working with the management team in 2011.


• multiple transactions, from funding arrangements through to acquisitions, involving Southern Communications, also based in Basingstoke, a supplier of business-to-business communications products and services.


Voted Law Firm of the Year at the 2019 Thames Valley Deals Awards, staged by The Business Magazine, the team was also recently recognised by The Legal 500 as the best technology law firm outside of London. Osborne Clarke was the first European law firm to open an office in Silicon Valley. Our clients range from traditional global technology businesses to those creating the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain and 3D printing.


If you would like to speak to us about our expertise in technology, or indeed another sector, do not hesitate to get in touch.


0118 925 2104 Robert.wood@osborneclarke.com


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