Sheffield-based CurvaLux (www.curvalux.com), a developer and manufacturer of new generation wireless broadband solutions and Sheffield City Region (SCR) Mayoral Combined Authority have announced a joint investment to open a ‘state of the art’ telecommunications R&D Centre and production facility.

The company is developing next-generation broadband wireless systems based on smart multi-beam phased-array antennas and aims to bring low-cost, high-speed internet access to rural communities and under-served urban areas — a multi-billion pound global market.

Curvalux has been demonstrating its systems with major service providers in Asia, Middle East, and USA since 2018 with further trials planned for 2020 including Europe and South Africa. The patented low-energy technology avoids costly power infrastructure.

The investment will bring high-quality technology jobs to Sheffield and the company plans to attract suppliers from around the UK including the Sheffield City Region.

SCR is supporting the company’s investment with an initial R&D grant of £8 million adn Curvalux is part of Airspace Internet Exchange Inc, a company established by Tom Choi — a renowned satellite industry executive — to pursue the next generation of low-cost satellite and wireless broadband systems.

Aimed principally at export markets, Curvalux’s technologies are also relevant to the UK’s digital infrastructure.

Thomas Choi, Executive Chairman of Curvalux, said: “I look forward to working with the Sheffield City Region as we develop our next generation of innovative digital solutions. The UK’s renewed commitment to R&D and desire to grow in global markets makes it a natural location for us. We expect to attract high-calibre employees and capable suppliers from across the UK and will engage with the AMRC and wider High Value Manufacturing Catapult as an integral part of our approach.”