A 5G mobile network could be added to Keynsham High Street if a pilot scheme in Bath proves successful.
The Government-funded trial is set to start in the city centre this summer.
Bath & North East Somerset Council says the scheme aims to address connectivity and capacity issues relating to mobile network coverage.
The council says the trial has received a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Works and will see a network of around 16 radio units installed in key locations on lamp posts around the heart of the city.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development 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.
“If the pilot proves successful we hope it will be opened up to the wider public next year.”
The £773,132 Government grant will fund the pilot scheme, which will involve between 200 to 300 volunteers 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 handsets will be provided to volunteers to test the network’s resilience and performance in managing high demand in a dense environment.
A Single Member Decision report which went before Councillor Roper earlier this year highlighted a market failure in the sector, with lack of investment from private telecoms companies that was exacerbated by UK Government restricting some international vendors.
Although the scope of the initial pilot focuses on central Bath, the council says there could be potential for additional networks to be added to the high streets of Keynsham and Midsomer Norton.
But the news has met with opposition from campaigners who say they want to raise awareness of the health effects of 5G.
Karen Churchill, of Bath for Safe Technology, said: “No impact assessment, or proof of safety for the particular technology to be employed in this trial, has been provided with the application and residents are questioning whether the trials will be truly ‘safe and effective’.”
Karen was among those who demonstrated outside Broadlands Academy in Keynsham in 2022 in protest against the decision to allow a 5G phone mast in the school grounds.
B&NES Council granted permission in the face of more than more than 160 objections, including health concerns that were echoed by Keynsham Town Council.
More information about the campaign against the 5G trial in Bath can be found at https://rfinfo.co.uk/smartcity/
5G potential for Keynsham High Street
