Another 5G mast could be installed in Cowes for a national mobile network.
Earlier this year, EE switched on its 5G mast in time for Cowes Week, but left the service on for customers in the area permanently.
18 metre monopole
Adding to the coverage on the Island, Three UK has asked the Isle of Wight Council for approval before it installs an 18 metre-tall telecommunications monopole on Baring Road.
Despite considering other locations, including Three Gates Road and Crossfield Avenue, agents acting on behalf of Three, WHP Telecoms, said the spot on Baring Road, at the Woodvale Road junction, was the only viable option.
Necessary to ensure improved delivery of service
It said the proposed pole and cabinet at the base, would not result in ‘demonstrable harm’ to the character of the area, but was necessary to ensure improved delivery of service.
The monopole would significantly improve 5G in areas that have started to gain the service, as well as introducing it to new areas.
Limited 5G access
The Island currently has very limited 5G access — with coverage around the Bay area for Three, EE coverage for Cowes and limited coverage across parts of the Island for Vodafone.
To view plans, 21/01957/16APA, you can visit the council’s planning portal. According to the site notice, comments will be accepted until 29th October.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Google Maps/Streetview
