The UK Government has launched £30m competition for the testing of 5G applications in rural areas.
The initiative will see up to ten rural locations chosen to run trials of 5G-related technology, which would involve superfast 5G test networks being established.
Up to ten rural locations will be chosen to run trials of 5G applications and stimulate commercial investment in 5G technology which offers mobile speeds 10 to 20 times faster than previous generations.
The Government said it hoped the scheme, called the Rural Connected Communities competition, could help stimulate investment in 5G and help countryside communities take advantage of the technology.
Similar schemes have already been set up in the Orkney Islands to remotely monitor salmon fisheries and improve the efficiency of wind farms, and in Shropshire, where 5G trials have been used to help the farming industry with targeted crop-spraying and soil analysis with drones and tractors.
Digital Secretary Nicky Morgan said: "The British countryside has always been a hotbed of pioneering industries and we're making sure our rural communities aren't left behind in the digital age.
"We're investing millions so the whole country can grasp the opportunities and economic benefits of next-generation 5G technology.
"In modern Britain, people expect to be connected wherever they are. And so we're committed to securing widespread mobile coverage and must make sure we have the right planning laws to give the UK the best infrastructure to stay ahead."
The vovernment has also announced the launch of a consultation on proposals to simplify planning rules to improve rural mobile coverage.
It will seek views on proposals that would change the permitted height of new masts as well as allow existing ground-based masts to be strengthened without prior approval.
Secretary of State for Wales, Alun Cairns, said: "This funding demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment towards eliminating the disparity in connection between urban and rural areas whilst exploring innovative ways to use 5G technology to develop emerging industries, supporting our rural economy in Wales.
“This is a great opportunity for rural areas to boost the productivity and capacity of their digital infrastructure and I’d encourage local partners to come together to apply to benefit their communities.”
