Say Hello

Borderlands 5G Innovation Regions (5GIR) Programme

Helping rural communities and businesses thrive

The Borderlands Partnership 5GIR Programme is challenging preconceptions about what’s possible with rural connectivity, building a locally focussed, long-term, sustainable model for scalable 5G tech that others can replicate, initially focussed on tourism. Our network is designed to complement, not replace the mainstream mobile networks.

By doing this, the aim is to overcome the historic lack of commercial investment for telecoms infrastructure in our area, along with the technical challenges of connecting such a vast rural landscape, helping the region achieve its full potential.

Our ambitions are to unlock the power of advanced wireless technologies to:

● Bridge the digital divide

● Deliver better public services

● Fuel economic growth

● Create lasting prosperity

How will Borderlands 5G Innovation Region help the local area?

There are four key elements of this project that will help us create a blueprint for improved rural connectivity:

Focussing on local needs:
Beyond our initial focus on tourism, which contributes a huge amount to the region, we’ve got many more projects planned that will benefit local communities and visitors
Gathering useful information:
We’re using sensors at our sites to capture lots of different types of data, from rainfall to footfall and much more, enhancing the services we can provide to the local area
Introducing new technologies:
Rather than relying on a single type of connectivity, our project uses a mix of technologies like 5G, fibre, satellite and WiFi across a wide area
Building for the long term:
Our partnerships led by local people, coupled with an innovative approach to rolling out connectivity, means we can create lasting change in the region

Where is the programme based?

We are deploying private 5G networks, sensors and cutting-edge applications at five key locations:

The Crook Inn, Destination Tweed
Kielder Castle and Observatory
The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall
Stranraer Marina and Loch Ryan
Windermere Ferry

Who will benefit?

Local businesses

With limited connectivity holding businesses back, much-needed extra coverage and capacity will help them meet demand in the tourist season, and beyond. Better connectivity will also help them use technologies in new ways, harness data for new services and more.

Local communities

Poor connectivity is hugely frustrating for local residents, especially during peak tourist season. 5G technology will improve public services and help local industry thrive, making sure the region isn’t left behind as digital innovation races forward across the UK.

Local authorities

The Borderlands region needs to attract more investment to diversify its economy, drive innovation and boost prosperity, yet it’s not a priority for traditional mobile network operators. Our project provides a long-term, self-sustaining alternative solution.

Central government

The government wants the whole of the UK to benefit from advanced connectivity and digitisation. This project creates a blueprint for commercially viable wireless tech that can help close the region’s digital divide and be replicated all over the country.

The wider UK

With tech like AI on the rise, the UK’s digital divide will only widen. Our project will help local authorities across the UK work with industry to deliver connectivity to rural and remote regions, unlocking the power of connectivity across the UK.