Thursday October 3rd 2024
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Tourism locations across the south of Scotland and north of England are to benefit from the 5G funding programme, with AWTG Ltd appointed as lead supplier.
The Borderlands Partnership has secured the funding from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to develop and deliver the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme.
Through investing in advanced wireless coverage and smart technology at five sites across the Borderlands region, the programme seeks to understand the potential for this technology to contribute to the rural tourism sector.
The Borderlands 5G Innovation venues are spread across the region at The Crook Inn on the Destination Tweed trail, Kielder Castle and Water, Stranraer Marina, The Sill near Hadrian’s Wall and Windermere Ferry.
The Borderlands region with its two world heritage sites, two national parks and numerous long distance walking and cycling trails attracts more than 63 million visitors each year.
The rugged landscape and rural nature of the region make the Borderlands highly desirable to visit, however historically the challenges in delivering infrastructure in the region has restricted investment in connectivity and prevented smarter models for supporting visitors, businesses and communities.
The ability to target advanced wireless technology at visitor locations will allow the Borderlands Partnership to support the delivery of services, safeguard workers and the public, provide enhanced information to aid visitors and locals.
Survey work has already begun, with an ambition of the Borderlands 5G Innovation venues to begin to benefit from this investment by the beginning of next year.
Councillor Euan Jardine, the leader of Scottish Borders Council and Borderlands Partnership Board co-chair, said “The Borderlands Partnership is targeting transformational and inclusive improvement, creating opportunities for all businesses and communities across the region to thrive.
“I am excited to see how this programme contributes towards our ambitions for the region and puts Borderlands on the map as an area for innovation.”
Visit www.borderlandsgrowth.com/the-borderlands/5gir for more information.
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