Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has pledged £35 million towards 5G trials across rural areas in the UK.
The package will fund nine projects around the country, alongside an extra £30 million competition called 5G Create, examining how 5G can open up opportunities in film, TV, video games, logistics and tourism.
The next-generation technology will be deployed at Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, where VR/AR apps will enhance the visitor experience, while robotic environmental management will also be tested to live monitor the health of the site.
Meanwhile, Dorset will see the injection of 5G technology into air and sea search and rescue, using terrestrial and satellite connectivity to save lives. 5G will also be used in farming to track crop growth, monitor livestock and reduce water pollution.
“We’re determined to make the UK a world-leader in 5G and deliver on our promise to improve connections for people and businesses across the country,” said Dowden. “Today we’re announcing new funding to seize the new opportunities this technology will offer us.
“This includes seeing how it could create new jobs in the countryside, make businesses more productive and unleash even more ideas in our cutting-edge creative industries.”
