The UK government has launched a competition to test 5G applications in rural areas and proposed a series of planning reforms to improve and extend mobile coverage. The latter includes the proposal to allow operators to build taller phone masts in the countryside with a view to eliminating mobile reception blind spots.
Under the government’s plans, up to ten rural locations will be chosen to run trials of 5G applications and stimulate commercial investment in 5G technology. In a statement, digital secretary Nicky Morgan said the GBP 30 million Rural Connected Communities competition is part of a wave of GBP 200 million funding to pioneer 5G testbeds across the country. “We’re investing millions so the whole country can grasp the opportunities and economic benefits of next generation 5G technology,” she said. The deadline for applications is 25 October, with the winning projects expected to be announced before the end of the year.
The government also launched a consultation on proposals to simplify planning rules to improve rural mobile coverage. These include changing the permitted height of new masts to deliver better mobile coverage, promote mast sharing and minimise the need to build more infrastructure. Existing rules prohibit structures over 25 metres on public land. “We’re committed to securing widespread mobile coverage and must make sure we have the right planning laws to give the UK the best infrastructure to stay ahead,” added Morgan.
Further proposals to support 5G and increase mobile coverage include allowing mobile phone networks to strengthen existing ground-based masts and deploy radio equipment cabinets on protected and unprotected land without prior approval.
