Five tourism locations across the south of Scotland and north of England are to benefit from a £3.8million 5G 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.
A contract for the delivery and management of the Borderlands 5G Innovation venues has now been award to AWTG Ltd.
"With the joint efforts of AWTG and the Borderlands Partnership, we're bridging the digital divide, bringing the future of connectivity to England and Scotland. This transformation will help boost tourism and foster community growth through wireless connectivity and digital advancements," said, Abbey Alidoosti, CEO of AWTG, highlighting the significant impact this initiative will have.
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:
· delivery of services;
· safeguarding of workers and the public;
· new service development;
· provide enhanced information to aid visitors and locals;
· environmental monitoring and help us protect the natural beauty of the region;
· improve connectivity during the peak summer months and
· grow the tourism economy
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.
Cllr Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland & Furness Council and Borderlands Partnership Board Co-Chair said “Improving digital infrastructure, supporting innovation and encouraging sustainable tourism are top priorities for the Borderlands Partnership. I am proud that Borderlands has been selected as one of the UK’s ten 5G Innovation Regions.”
Cllr Euan Jardine, 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.
ENDS
Notes for Editors
Borderlands Partnership
The Borderlands Partnership exists to unlock the potential for sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the South of Scotland and North of England and is made up of Cumberland Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, and Westmorland and Furness Council.
For more information on the Borderlands Partnership visit www.borderlandsgrowth.com
Connecting Cumbria
The Connecting Cumbria team works on behalf of Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council to deliver the Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy for fixed line and mobile broadband with the aim that no one and no place will be left behind. As part of Cumbria’s commitment to the Borderlands Partnership the Connecting Cumbria team will lead delivery of the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme on behalf of the Partnership.
AWTG Ltd
AWTG Ltd. is a premier end-to-end engineering services and technology solutions provider, specializing in Telecommunications, Immersive Tourism, Smart Education, Smart Cities, Smart Retail, Industry 4.0, Smart Health, New Media, and more. Since its founding in 2006, AWTG has focused on customer satisfaction, leveraging expertise in Digital Transformation, Rapid Prototyping, AI, IoT, and Software to deliver superior results. Notably, AWTG deployed UK’s first 5G test bed in 2014 and has since designed and deployed extensive 5G networks globally. AWTG’s mission is to innovate for a better future, enhancing value for our clients and their customers.
For more information, please visit AWTG’s website: www.awtg.co.uk
Media contact: Anastasja Vargas anastasja.vargas@awtg.co.uk
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