A pilot scheme to test a next-generation 5G mobile network in Bath city centre is to start later this summer.
The government-funded scheme aims to address the mobile network connectivity and capacity issues that often affect phones in the area.
According to surveys carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), many residents say connectivity issues, reliability and cost is a barrier to accessing services and information online.
The trial will involve installing 16 small, low-power cell radio units on lamp posts in key locations around the heart of the city.
The £773,132 government grant will fund the pilot scheme, which will also involve between 200 to 300 volunteers from a broad mix of local communities, who will test the new network.
They will be issued with special SIM cards to access the 5G network, with at least 200 high-specification handsets also being provided to the volunteers to monitor the network’s resilience and performance in managing high demand in a dense environment.
Two indoor locations – the Roman Baths and The Rec – have also been identified as options to install additional radio units to gauge customers’ experiences of the network.
The radio units will operate at a radio frequency of around 4 gigahertz compared to the 2.4 or 5 gigahertz of current typical wi-fi routers.
A number of special events will also take place during the trial, with large numbers of users putting high demand on the network at the same time and in the same location.
There will also be the potential for more realistic testing to occur during busy events, such as sports fixtures and the Bath Christmas Market.
If the pilot is successful, there will be further, wider consultation next year on how the network can be rolled out.
There is also scope to widen the trial to the high streets of Keynsham and Midsomer Norton to ensure they benefits of the improved digital connectivity, coverage and speed are spread across the B&NES area.
Council cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, Cllr Paul Roper, 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.
“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.”
