The Crichton campus in Dumfries has been named as the host of Scotland's first rural 5G connectivity hub.
As part of the Scotland 5G Centre’s S5GConnect programme it will provide a site for technology experts, academics and local businesses to work on ideas for the technology in public services and the local economy.
The S5GConnect Dumfries hub is being equipped with a dedicated 5G network with advanced capabilities including a testbed that will enable SMEs to test products, services and solutions.
Projects set to get underway include the development of remote healthcare initiatives including the use of 5G to support assisted living.
The hub will be the third of its kind, following the establishment of hubs in Forth Valley and Dundee, but first with a rural focus.
It is part of the programme, funded by £4 million from the Scottish Government, to establish a network of 5G innovation hubs across the country.
The Crichton, an 85-acre parkland estate on the edge of Dumfries, is home to over 90 organisations including five academic partners. The S5GConnect hub is being supported by South of Scotland Enterprise, which will be a partner in helping to develop projects.
Communities boost
Gwilym Gibbons, chief executive of the Crichton Trust, said: “We believe that 5G connectivity will enable our rural communities to experience the power of fast connectivity and the opportunities this brings for innovation and the future economy, helping to generate the solutions and services we require to meet the challenges of our ageing society, the climate crisis and the fourth industrial revolution.
“Solutions that start in Dumfries but can scale and be replicated into our neighbouring rural and urban areas and exported across the world.”
Image from Scotland 5G Centre
