It was recently announced that Western University and Bell are partnering on new projects to bring next-generation experiences onto 5G networks.

Indeed, the university has committed C$1 million towards 5G research projects so as to test the network’s capabilities in real-world scenarios. The eight projects will be funded by Western and carried out at Western’s lab.

Last year, Western had invested C$2.7 million into deploying 5G networks on its campus using five signal towers connected to Bell’s commercial network. Hence, researchers are able to test their ideas in a real-world environment. Western is then the only university in Canada with a fully functional 5G network deployed, allowing researchers to test and develop advanced technologies.

Western researchers are currently working on experiments to tackle pressing societal issues using 5G, including engaging virtual classrooms using virtual reality and improving mental health. These projects are expected to be live-tested in 2022.