UK Government Plans to Boost 5G with £4 Million

A competition for projects enabling mobile operators to host 5G equipment on public buildings and roadside infrastructure was opened by the UK government. It is one of the efforts to accelerate rollout of the next-generation technology.

Infrastructure, including bus shelters and street lights, are to be evaluated as part of the £4 million scheme. The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said the trial aims to uncover ways for operators to deploy 5G equipment faster and more cheaply, while minimising the impact on the landscape.

The trial aims to address hurdles in operators acquiring information to ascertain if a structure is suitable for the installation of equipment. The DCMS cited location, physical dimensions and access to a power source as factors. Minister for Digital Infrastructure Matt Warman predicted huge potential in lamp posts, as they could reduce the need to build new masts for 5G. He also noted the move will help local councils and operators work more effectively to bring the benefits of faster connectivity. Applications can be submitted until 18 November.