The Borderlands Region - which includes much of Dr Hudson's Penrith and The Border constituency - has been named as one of 10 5G Innovation Regions where Government will channel £36 million to accelerate local projects to boost advanced wireless connectivity across a wide range of sectors, including public services, sustainable farming and road safety.
The funding will drive the development and adoption of 5G and other advanced wireless technologies - making sure communities in towns, cities and rural areas take full advantage of the benefits advanced wireless connectivity and digital technologies can provide and attract commercial investment to grow the economy. Specific initiatives include drones to monitor crops and livestock, smart systems to reduce congestion, and portable 5G networks to enable super-fast live broadcast from remote locations.
Specifically in Penrith and The Border, the Borderlands Partnership has been granted £3.8 million to bolster rural tourism. The region - straddling England and Scotland - has fewer than 1 million residents but welcomed more than 63 million visits in 2019.
Advanced wireless technology can enhance how the region tells its story of Borderlands communities; build the tourist economy; protect the environment and local businesses; improve the delivery of rural services and the process to collect information to support future investment.
5G technologies will be utilised at five projects across the region. These are:
- Windermere 5G Ferry
- Kielder Castle and Forest
- Stranraer Marina
- The Sill @ Hadrian’s Wall
- Destination Tweed
Boosting digital connectivity is a cornerstone of Dr Hudson's plan for Penrith and The Border. On top of the recent announcement, Government is rolling out gigabit broadband and 5G coverage across Cumbria at pace.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Rural regions like ours have a wealth of economic potential ready to be unleashed by digital connectivity. I am therefore delighted our Conservative Government has included the Borderlands Partnership as one of 10 flagship 5G Innovation Regions to get families and businesses connected.
"From supporting local jobs to driving growth, the tourism sector provides so much for our region and with this new £3.8 million investment across the Borderlands Partnership I look forward to seeing our visitor economy go from strength to strength."
