A Cambridge-based membership community of companies, universities and individuals working on wireless, mobile and advanced connectivity technology, founded around 2000 as Cambridge 3G.
Cambridge Wireless, now branded CW, is a professional community for organisations working on advanced connectivity and digital technology. Its own announcement describes it as bringing together "the organisations and individuals who are building what comes next". It started with a focus on wireless and cellular technology but now covers a much wider set of subjects. CW organises events, special interest groups, conferences and networking for members, which include large companies, small start-ups, universities and research groups.
CW was formerly called Cambridge 3G. A 2015 article says it was founded about 15 years earlier to help pioneer early 3G mobile networks. The idea came from Dr David Cleevely, then managing director of the consultancy Analysys, and Edward Astle, then chairman of 3glab. Their first plan was a test network with Vodafone UK, and after Vodafone put base stations across Cambridge, the group relaunched in 2004 as Cambridge Wireless with a wider focus. Dr Cleevely said the original aim was "to put Cambridge at the forefront of 3G technology". It was rebranded as CW in 2014, and had more than 400 UK and international members in 2015, a dated figure. Its current chief executive is Michaela Eschbach.
CW's roots and name are in Cambridge, the centre of the UK's "Silicon Fen" technology cluster. In March 2026 it launched a new membership structure with five tiers, called Digital, Connectors, Engagers, Architects and Pioneers, each giving more influence and access. It is also one of the four partners delivering the UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN), and in January 2026 announced a strategic partnership with the Institute of Telecommunications Professionals. Its events include the Future of Wireless International Conference and a start-up competition, which have run since its early years.
As a membership community, its culture is built around introductions and collaboration. We found no staff stories. Its own history emphasises "perseverance and enterprise" of those who started it, a phrase used by an earlier chief executive, Robert Driver. In 2015 a news article also described a board strengthened with industry experts, which shows how closely industry leaders are involved in guiding the organisation.
The roles at a community organisation like this include membership managers, events and conference producers, special interest group managers who bring members together on a topic such as the Internet of Things or 6G, communications and marketing staff, and policy and research staff. They suit people who enjoy meeting others, organising events and understanding technology without necessarily building it. CW's website lists current vacancies and ways to join, and student members can watch how the industry shapes its next generation of products.
Website: www.cwconnected.com
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