4G technology launched in Cumbria

The UK's first live 4G trial has been launched in Cumbria. The trial was switched on by the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove, and local MP, Rory Stewart, who said that 4G has the potential to provide “an important stimulus for the UK”. The trial centres on Threlkeld in Cumbria, and will run until the end of July.

Michael Gove met pupils in year 10 and 11 from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith and watched them doing foreign language homework online. Schools now expect pupils to carry out online learning tasks as part of their homework, but those who live in remote, rural Cumbria rarely have sufficient broadband. 4G is expected to solve this problem.

The Education Secretary was also shown a new police communications device, which can operate over a wireless network, allowing more policemen to be on the street, by Chief Constable, Stuart Hyde.

He also heard from the Managing-Director of Cumbria Health on Call, Susan Blakemore, about the importance of mobile devices for health, and from Mountain Rescue, and local residents about the importance of high-speed connectivity in rural areas.

From today, local residents will be able to register their interest to access the service at:

[http://www.ukt.

everythingeverywhere.com/

4gtrialcumbria ](http://www.ukt.everythingeverywhere.com/4gtrialcumbria )

Rolling out over the next few weeks, the trial for up to 50 local residents will run until the end of July and is being conducted to test the network performance ahead of potential further roll out by the end of the year, subject to regulatory approval.

Commenting on the trial, the Secretary of State for Education, Michael Gove said:

Rory Stewart MP added: