Companies in the East London technology cluster will be the first in the country to benefit from EE's lightning-fast 4G speeds
Silicon Roundabout – the area of East London that is home to around 1,300 tech start-ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs – has become the first area in the UK to get access to EE's 300Mbps mobile network, which will be rolled out commercially in 2014.
EE will be giving selected companies in the area privileged access to the network, which offers speeds that are up to three times faster than the fastest fixed-line broadband service. Tech City accredited businesses can sign up for a bespoke package that offers discounts on line-rental, mobile broadband and accessories.
The partnership will also see EE prioritise Tech City for all of its new network innovations, and provide a mentoring programme for small businesses in the early stages of growth. The company plans to open up the APIs of its 4G network, so that developers can create new products and services, and get them to market faster.
“Game-changing investments such as EE’s 300Mbps network will catalyse the next wave of innovation and creativity in digital, creative and technology businesses. It will allow them to connect to new markets around the world and supports the growth of our brightest and best businesses,” said Joanna Shields, chief executive of Tech City.
The news was announced by Prime Minister David Cameron, on the third anniversary of the launch of the government's 'Tech City' initiative, which is intended to generate a cluster of technology companies comparable to Silicon Valley in the United States.
According to independently produced figures, the number of tech companies in London increased 76 percent between 2009 and 2012, growing from 49,969 to 88,215. Over a quarter of all job growth in London comes from the tech/digital sector, with approximately 582,000 people now employed by the sector in London.
"The world of business is changing rapidly and one of the most promising opportunities for new jobs and growth lies within a new wave of high growth, highly innovative digital businesses," said Cameron.
"This is why, as part of our plan to help Britain succeed, we established Tech City UK to support the creation of a technology cluster in East London and committed to help these businesses to become cornerstones of our economy."
He added that while the growth of London's tech cluster has been impressive, the government is determined to build a rebalanced economy and get behind entrepreneurs in the dozens of technology clusters, accelerators and start-up incubators across Britain.
The government outlined further action intended to boost growth in the digital technology sector, including a new 'Exceptional Talent' visa, and a new index on the London Stock Exchange that expands the definition of a 'digital-services company' to cover more internet-driven retail, travel and leisure stocks.
Commenting on David Cameron’s announcement, Tim Kay, Head of KPMG’s high growth technology team based in Shoreditch said that technology is one of the key industries for the 21st century, generating economic output and employment and underpinning the growth of other industries.
“The required fix to obtaining sufficient tech talent in the UK is complex and a long term project which essentially should start in our schools, but today’s announcement to give world-class technology experts fast-tracked visas will enhance our reputation globally as a tech destination," said Kay.
“The tech movement in London has grown significantly, thanks in part to the support of the government. However, if the UK is to become a serious contender to other international destinations, other tech hubs across the UK are must be supported. Accordingly, funding to encourage specialist clusters in Wales and the North-East should be welcomed."
Also coinciding with Tech City's third birthday, software company Pivotal, which is headed up by renound South African computer scientist Paul Maritz, has announced an investment of £100m in Tech City over the next ten years and the opening of a European headquarters in Old Street with 75 staff in place from January 2014.
Valued at $1 billion earlier this year, this investment makes Pivotal one of the largest technology start-ups to choose the UK as the centre for its European operations.
“Tech City is one of the most exciting technology eco-systems in the world right now, thanks to its fantastic and dynamic mix of talent, infrastructure and the active support of the UK government," said Maritz.
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