Work to start on 5G pilot scheme in city centre

Small low power cell radio units will be installed on lamp posts in key locations around the city

Work on a pilot scheme to test a next generation 5G mobile network in Bath city centre is set to start later this summer.

Aiming to address mobile connectivity and capacity issues, the project will include 16 small low power cell radio units installed on lamp posts in key locations around the city.

If successful, the pilot, which is funded by a £773,132 government grant and involves between 200 and 300 volunteers testing the network, may be opened up to the wider public.

Bath and North East Somerset cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, Paul Roper, said it was "great" to have been selected for the scheme that aims to "address digital inequalities".

"If the pilot proves successful we hope it will be opened up to the wider public next year," he added.

'Additional networks'

Two indoor locations - the Roman Baths and Bath Rugby Stadium - have also been identified as options for additional radio units, which will operate at a radio frequency of around four Ghz.

WiFi routers operate at 2.4 or five Ghz for comparison.

While the initial pilot focuses on central Bath, there is potential for additional networks to be added in Keynsham and Midsomer Norton.

During the pilot a number of test events will take place, such as during sports events and the Bath Christmas Market.

The tests include users placing a high demand on the network at the same time and location.