SMARTPHONE users in Glasgow may be able to upgrade to 5G within 18 months as the next stage of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” is introduced.

Glasgow City Council’s administration committee created a Digital Glasgow Board in February to co-develop a strategy with council officers and 25 partner organisations in a bid to improve connectivity across the city.

The main aims are to deliver economic growth, advance quality of life and the environment as well as transform public services by making it easier to interact with one another.

The report was discussed at the city administration committee on Wednesday.

Glasgow City Council leader, Councillor Susan Aitken, said: “This is the fourth industrial revolution in terms of digital connectivity. This is not just about economic development, inclusion, or social justice or modernising public services. All of them are connected.

“We will be working in coordination with our partners, not in isolation. We will be following the other cities in the UK who are creating a digital strategy and allow 5G connectivity to be implemented in Glasgow.

“Glasgow lags behind other cities. We want to be part of the digital industrial revolution.”

The local authority will collaborate with stakeholders and private sector organisations to ensure they work together to eradicate all “black spots” across Glasgow.

Councillor Aitken continued: “We will be adopting a coordinated approach with businesses like BT and Virgin Media to make sure every part of the city is connected.”

The move has been praised by Glasgow’s chief executive of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.

Stuart Patrick said: “The use of digital technologies for Glasgow businesses is vital for competitiveness and trade.

“The recent announcement by Barclays to create a major tech hub in the city alongside our well established start-up community is really encouraging for the sector.

“This strategy sets out plans for developing digital skills amongst the city’s population – which are vital for sustaining these industries. Additionally, we welcome its focus on using digital technologies to improve the delivery of public services.

“We welcome the new strategy and look forward to working with our partners to ensure its delivery for the citizens and businesses of Glasgow.”

Concerns were raised by Councillor Martha Wardrop that local businesses would suffer as a result.

She said: “There are 25 organisations involved in this which is commendable. I am concerned about the pressure on retailers in the high street and the town centre. I want to make sure they are not missing out.”

Ms Wardop was reassured retail businesses would be represented and asked to contribute to the programme.

Councillor Millar said: “They will have the chance to take part in surveys and workshops.”