Ten areas across the UK will receive a share of the a 拢40 million fund which aims to transform the areas into 鈥�5G Innovation Regions鈥�.
This includes installing 5G networks in remote locations to support farming activities, such as GPS or drone monitoring systems.聽
Sussex County Council has been allocated 拢3.8 million to develop and scale 5G technology that will 鈥渟upport future farming and growing practices that increase sustainable food and drink productivity鈥�.聽
Meanwhile, Shropshire Council has been awarded 拢3.7 million to embed wireless technology that will support innovation in rural industries, water management and public services.
Other areas in the UK have been awarded the funding for uses such as improving smart road systems, manufacturing and tourism.
鈥淭his funding is essential for farmers as various aspects of their work rely on consistent access to the internet. It鈥檚 also vital for health and safety, with many farmers needing reliable mobile coverage to call for help if needed.鈥�
NFU Vice President David Exwood
Increased productivity prospects for farmers聽
The new announcement comes off the back of the NFU's campaigning for better digital infrastructure in rural areas. The NFU's recent Digital Technology Survey highlighted that more than a fifth of members believe their broadband speeds are a barrier to their further use of digital technology.
Over a third of members also said that if their business had聽faster broadband speeds, they would use this to improve their speed, efficiency, and frequency of business tasks.
The new announcement means that there is more opportunity for businesses in remote areas to make use of new technologies for agriculture and tourism that may require internet connectivity on farm.
The new funds are in addition to 拢7 million announced in June 2023 to improve rural broadband connectivity through satellite, wireless and fixed line connections.
The government鈥檚 flagship 拢5 billion also aims to improve internet speeds in hard to reach areas across the country.
Continued commitment welcomed
Commenting on the new funding announcement, NFU Vice President David Exwood said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 encouraging to see the government鈥檚 commitment to boosting digital connectivity in rural areas through the newly announced 拢36 million 5G network connectivity fund.
He stressed that rural connectivity was 鈥渧ital鈥� for farmers, adding:聽鈥淭his funding is essential for farmers as various aspects of their work, from submitting VAT returns to GPS on tractors, rely on consistent access to the internet. It鈥檚 also vital for health and safety, with many farmers often working long hours and therefore needing reliable mobile coverage to call for help if needed.
鈥淲hile this is a positive step forward, we also urge the government to continue its investment and roll-out of alternative broadband options for rural areas and focus on the delivery of the Shared Rural Network, to ensure reliable and fast internet access for rural communities.鈥�
