South Ayrshire Farmer Fights 5G

A South Ayrshire farmer fights to make her land a 5G black spot in a bid to protect her unique “offline” tourism diversification.

18:02 09 October 2019

Sarah Redman is attempting to block the introduction of 3G, 4G and 5G networks to her Creeside Farm to ensure that the spot remains a secluded digital sanctuary. The farm, which opened its shepherd’s hut enterprise with the help of a leader rural diversification grant last May, currently runs 120 cattle and 500 sheep.

 

“Everyone who stays at our shepherd’s hut actually wants to get away from their phones,” Ms Redman said. “The fact we don’t have wi-fi or much signal is a big selling point.”

 

“Improving connectivity around the country is vital to all of our daily lives,” she said. “But as important steps are made towards improving this in rural areas, it’s interesting to consider the impact it might have on some of our much-loved off-grid spots.”

 

The website proclaims: “There is no wi-fi, no phone signal and no hot-tub, but what you do have is books, cards, board-games and a radio to keep you entertained.”

 

Ms Redman’s campaign, which is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, comes in the week the government unveiled plans to invest £5billion to support the rollout of full-fibre, 5G and other gigabit-capable networks to rural communities.