BT has announced that it has installed 5G at the Showground, making it one of the first, permanent rural 5G networks in Europe.
Visitors to the annual show are able to see how 5G technology could transform our lives in future, with a demonstration of a 5G-connected driverless pod at the showground.
BT said that the driverless electric vehicle being demonstrated at the show is one of the first self-driving pods in the world to be connected to a live 5G network, and highlights the possible future uses of 5G technology.
BT’s Enterprise business has partnered with Westfield Technology Group, which manufactures the driverless pods, to bring the live demonstration to this year’s show. The vehicles can be used across a wide range of environments and industries and are being considered as a sustainable transport alternative in rural areas such as national parks.
According to BT the connecting pods with 5G transforms the range of applications that can stream data to and from the pod in real-time, including 3D mapping models, video from the on-board safety cameras and infotainment for passengers.
Nick Speed, BT Group Director for Wales said, ‘5G is the next generation of mobile technology and will transform the way we live and work. We’re hugely excited about what we can do with 5G today, and in the future. This activation at the showground shows one of the many possibilities for farming, agriculture and rural tourism.’
Deputy Minister for Economy Lee Waters said, ‘It’s excellent news that 5G is now available at the Royal Welsh showground and a great way to mark the show’s centenary. The Welsh Government has worked closely with EE from the outset to establish a mast at the showground and it is currently the only one outside of major cities which has been upgraded to 5G.’
‘As part of our Mobile Action Plan we have highlighted innovation and emerging technologies, including 5G, and the importance of working with major events, such as the Royal Welsh, to improve connectivity. 5G also opens up opportunities for agriculture technology developments and autonomous vehicles, and it’s great to see this innovation happening in the rural community,’ added Waters.
