AWTG is proud to be the Technology and Delivery Partner in the Borderlands 5G Innovation Region (5GIR) Programme. It is a cross-border initiative that’s turning digital ambition into measurable impact. With support from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and in partnership with together Cumberland Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, and Westmorland and Furness Council and Connecting Cumbria, the region has made significant strides in smart tourism, connectivity, and community engagement.

The project has already launched a dedicated website and data platform offering live insights on air quality, car park occupancy, and real-time visitor tracking across attractions. The Borderlands mobile app that is available both on iOS and Android puts local data and updates at the fingertips of residents and tourists alike.

The Borderlands region is fast becoming a testbed for live innovation. From pop-up 5G O-RAN sites and satellite backhaul at Kielder Observatory to AI-powered crowd analytics demonstrated at public events like the Glebe Park Christmas Market, the network is being actively deployed and experienced in real-world settings. A live sensor network now operates across locations such as Stranraer Marina, Windermere, and Destination Tweed feeding real-time data into the platform to support smarter, evidence-based decisions.

This initiative has been showcased on the local and global stage as well such as Digital Tourism Conference and Mobile World Congress Barcelona. The Borderlands 5G Innovation Region Programme is a living example of how strong collaboration and cutting-edge tech can bring lasting benefits to rural and urban communities alike.