Research has shown that 50 per cent per cent of premises in Wales' rural constituencies are currently 5G not-spots.
While Vodafone 5G and 5G SA are currently available in areas across Wales, including Cardiff, Newport and Swansea, the proposed merger would offer the necessary scale needed to extend 5G technology to more areas of the principality. As a result, rural Wales could benefit in:
• Healthcare: Where drones using 5G SA could be used in remote or hard-to-reach areas to provide vital information for first responders and care teams during emergency situations, such as fires or traffic collisions. Vodafone has also commited to bring 5G SA to every hospital by 2030. Meanwhile, councils could also reduce spending on social care as a result.
• Agriculture: Where farmers would be able to use new innovations such as soil sensors to boost productivity, reduce environmental impact and drive growth. The research found that 5G-enabled sensors could help a farm to reduce its chemical usage, as well as improve efficiency. Tools such as 5G-connected weather stations could also help farmers plan irrigation schedules, thus reducing in a farm's water consumption.
• Education: Offering advances in virtual classroom applications, enabling young people living in rural or remote communities to access specialist teaching.
Andrea Dona, chief network officer, Vodafone UK, said, "We know that access to connectivity is important for everyone, but this research reveals the extent to which rural Wales is experiencing digital exclusion, showing exactly why we need to accelerate the roll out of 5G infrastructure. Through our proposed merger with Three UK, we would be able to help close the rural digital divide in Wales, helping these communities to take advantage of 5G and enjoy the same benefits it brings to their urban neighbours."
In addition, the proposed merger could result in 4G being delivered to more than 93 per cent of the Welsh landmass by 2027, which would then lead to an upgrade to 5G by 2034.