Areas to Receive 5G Mobile

Sparsely populated areas of North Yorkshire may take part in a 5G technology trial by the UK Government.

07:15 24 June 2020

The UK Government is deploying 5G in sparsely populated areas of North Yorkshire. Rural communities with little or no mobile coverage that are being considered for the trial include Swaledale, Appletreewick, Rosedale, the north end of Coverdale, Farndale, Hutton-le-hole, Lastingham, Castle Howard and Hovington. 

 

A report released by the North Yorkshire County Council states that a consortium of bodies is now working together to undertake the project. They will begin by assessing the interest in the areas before recruiting early adopters to use the technology. 

 

The report states: "Through dialogue with the local community, the aim is to unlock the potential of these forgotten areas by proving mobile access can assist in recovering the social and economic fabric of rural communities and influence national direction on rural connectivity." 

 

Upper Dales Councillor Yvonne Peacock said mobile coverage in Swaledale would prove a game-changer for residents and businesses. 

 

She said: "The 5G technology is very powerful and will give the opportunity for businesses to locate in places where they haven't been able to previously, meaning more people can live and work in the dale. In addition, it is going to attract and enable more young people to stay in the area."