Government commits £30m to ignite innovation around providing 5G services

Working through The Rural Connected Communities organisation, the government has committed the funding and a ‘competition’ has been launched to find up to ten rural areas in the UK where research and development projects around 5G connectivity can be trialled.

The winning projects will trial innovative and technical solutions to build a business case for investment in rural community connectivity. Those applying for funding will also have to show that their ‘solution’ has both economic and social benefits for the community they serve.

The competition is open to applications from consortia across the UK and those consortia are expected to consist of partnerships of several sectors including private, public, charitable or not for profit and academia.

Digital Secretary Nicky Norgan is hoping the funding will spark a tech revolution in countryside communities.

“We’re investing millions so the whole country can grasp the opportunities and economic benefits of next generation 5G technology.”

The competition is the latest phase in a wave of £200m in funding set aside to pioneer 5G testbeds around the country. Trials are already taking place in the Orkney Islands to remotely monitor salmon fisheries and the efficiency of windfarms. In Shropshire, it’s been trialled to help farmers use targeted crop spraying techniques and undertake soil analysis using both tractors and drones.

The competition officially opened yesterday (August 27 2019) and it closes at midday on Friday October 25. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in late November and early December with successful applicants being informed by the end of the year.

Nicky Morgan also launched a consultation to change planning laws to allow for 5G roll out and connectivity improvements.

“In modern Britain people expect to be connected wherever they are. So we’re committed to securing widespread mobile coverage and must make sure we have the right planning laws to give the UK the best infrastructure to stay ahead.”

The proposals include:

• Changing the permitted height of new masts to deliver better mobile coverage, promote mast sharing and minimise the need to build more infrastructure;
• Allowing existing ground-based masts to be strengthened without prior approval to enable sites to be upgraded for 5G and for mast sharing;
• Deploying radio equipment cabinets on protected and unprotected land without prior approval, excluding sites of special scientific interest
• Allowing building-based masts nearer to roads to support 5G and increase mobile coverage.

Factfile:

For details on the competition to create 5G connectivity in rural areas click HERE!

For details on the planning consultation visit here.