Today marks World Health Day (7 April), a World Health Organisation global initiative, highlighting the importance of accessible healthcare and wellbeing for all. Mobile connectivity is being utilised by the health sector to improve healthcare, providing better access to services and information.

The West Midlands 5G (WM5G) project, in collaboration with telemedicine company Tekihealth, is an example of this. Through this partnership, the organisations aimed to explore how 5G can enhance GP care in care homes using connected diagnostic tools. Five residential care homes in the West Midlands trialled the Teki-Hub, a diagnostics kit enabling GPs to conduct full check-ups and remote ward rounds.

With 5G's high bandwidth and low latency, this solution surpasses standard video consultations, allowing GPs to assess and record clinical information in real-time, as accurately as in-person check-ups. This contact-free approach helped care home staff safeguard residents, reduce Covid-19 infection risks, and maintain high standards of care with continuous GP access and assistance.

How are mobile operators empowering the healthcare sector?

The telecoms industry is committed to driving positive change in UK healthcare settings through innovation, technology and mobile connectivity. Here are some ground-breaking innovations from the UK’s Mobile Network Operators:  

EE/BT

EE/BT is demonstrating practical ways in how 5G technology is transforming the healthcare sector, particularly through its work with West Midlands 5G. From enabling real-time remote consultations to supporting smart ambulances that provide critical care on the move, their high-speed, low-latency networks are enhancing patient outcomes. By improving connectivity in hospitals and rural areas, EE and BT are paving the way for a more efficient and digitally connected NHS.

https://newsroom.bt.com/university-hospitals-birmingham-bt-and-wm5g-demonstrate-uks-first-remote-ultrasound-over-a-public-5g-network/

Three

Three is helping to revolutionise healthcare access through its partnership with Diagnostic Healthcare, a provider of mobile diagnostic services. By leveraging Three’s connectivity, organisations can deploy mobile scanning units across the UK, bringing essential diagnostic tests—such as MRI and ultrasound scans—closer to communities. This initiative is reducing waiting times, improving early diagnosis, and ensuring patients receive timely care, particularly in underserved areas.

How Mobile Diagnostics Transforms Healthcare | Three Business

Virgin Media O2

Virgin Media O2 is tackling mobile connectivity in the industry. Its Health Connectivity initiative ensures NHS sites have fast, secure, and reliable digital infrastructure, supporting everything from telemedicine to patient record sharing. By integrating advanced mobile and fixed-line solutions, they are helping healthcare professionals work more effectively, enhancing collaboration, and ultimately improving patient care.

Care-ready connectivity for the health sector | Virgin Media O2 Business

Vodafone UK

Vodafone is driving digital transformation in the NHS by delivering MedTech solutions. Their advanced IoT and cloud-based technologies are optimising efficiency, streamlining hospital operations, and supporting life-saving applications such as remote monitoring and smart medical devices. By connecting healthcare systems and enhancing data-sharing capabilities, Vodafone is ensuring that medical professionals have the tools they need to deliver high-quality care.

Connecting the NHS with efficiency-boosting MedTech solutions | Vodafone UK

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