Installation work for a pilot scheme to test a next-generation 5G mobile network in the centre of Bath is due to start later this summer.
An example 5G transmission unit | Library image
The ONE WORD 5G Mobile Network Pilot, which is funded by the government, aims to address the connectivity and capacity issues relating to mobile network coverage which Bath experiences.
It has received a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Works and will see a network of about 16 small low-power cell radio units installed in key locations on lamp posts in the centre of the city.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, who approved the cutting-edge pilot scheme, said: “Many of us are familiar with the poor mobile phone reception areas in the city centre, especially on busy days when, with the current system, it is difficult to even send texts and make phone calls.
“We have carried out surveys and many residents cite connectivity issues, reliability and cost as a barrier to accessing services and information online.
“So it is great news that our area has been selected for this government-funded pilot which aims to address those digital inequalities and improve mobile connectivity in a highly-challenging World Heritage City.”
The £773,132 government grant will fund the pilot scheme, which will involve between 200 to 300 volunteers, from a broad mix of local communities, testing the new 5G network.
If successful, there would be an opportunity to open up the network to the wider public following consultation in mid-2025.
During a pilot phase, a specific SIM card will be provided for users to test the network and at least 200 high-spec handsets will be provided to volunteers to test the network’s resilience and performance in managing high demand in a dense environment.
Two indoor locations, the Roman Baths and Bath Rugby Stadium, have also been identified as options to install additional radio units to test the network to benefit customer experiences.
The radio units will operate at a radio frequency of around 4 gigahertz, while wi-fi routers operate at 2.4 or 5 gigahertz for comparison.
During the pilot phase, a number of test events will also take place where users place high demand on the network at the same time and location, with the potential for more realistic testing to occur during future events such as sports fixtures and the Bath Christmas Market.
Currently the scope of the initial pilot focuses on central Bath, but there could be potential for additional networks to be added to the high streets of Keynsham and Midsomer Norton, increasing the benefits of the improved digital connectivity, coverage and speed across the authority area.
The Bath for Safe Technology campaign group has raised concerns about whether the trials will be truly safe and effective. On Sunday 7th July, they held a protest outside the Guildhall highlighting their concerns about 5G radiation.
They say the impact on residents with electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) has not been identified as an issue of equality.
