First portable 5G network for the Highlands and Islands
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Scotland 5G centre is supporting communities in the Highlands and Islands with a new portable 'pop up' 5G service.
The centre was created in 2019 and is funded by the Scottish Government. Its role is to accelerate the adoption of 5G across the country.
A new Highlands and Islands innovation hub has also been opened.
The hub is based at #hellodigital, a digital demonstration centre, hosted by the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) at An Lòchran, Inverness.
Ian Sharp, head of strategy and delivery at The Scotland 5G Centre, said: “With towns so remote and widely dispersed, the Highland and Islands region is an area of Scotland that can significantly benefit from 5G connectivity. As well as being our first innovation hub based here, the 5G ‘pop up’ network allows us to bring 5G technology to geographically dispersed areas, from Thurso to Fort William, making it accessible for small to medium sized businesses and showing them the benefits this could bring. We have loved this opportunity to collaborate with local businesses on their doorstep and showcase the potential of 5G.
"Our experience working with rural communities at our S5GConnect hub in Dumfries gives us the tools to usher a new age of connectivity into this region. We’ve already been working with businesses all over the Highlands and Islands, collaborating to solve their unique connection challenges.”
According to surveys from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, engagement with technology in the region is growing, but it is still below Scotland's average.
Theresa Swayne, senior development manager at HIE, said: “Expanding the hub network to the Highlands and Islands will provide businesses across the region with an opportunity to demonstrate, develop and apply 5G connectivity in new applications.
"It will ensure that key sectors continue to be at the forefront of digital technology developments and will help them to grow their businesses and create jobs. We’re really pleased to welcome The Scotland 5G Centre hub to An Lòchran in Inverness and it’s great to see our region’s businesses already using it.”
