5G could be rolled out in another part of the Isle of Wight.
Plans are being lodged by Cellnex UK, on behalf of EE and Three, to install upgraded telecommunications equipment on top of Shanklin Theatre.
At the moment 5G coverage is not available in Shanklin for those on Three and only partially available for those on EE.
Equipment already on roof
There is already equipment on the top of the Grade II listed building on Steephill Road, and the new antennas and dishes could also improve the 2G, 3G and 4G service for the area.
In planning documents submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, Cellnex said the proposed equipment has been designed to be the least ‘visually intrusive’ option, in the sensitive conservation area.
Height kept to ‘an absolute minimum’
The telecommunications company said the height and bulk of the equipment has been kept down to an ‘absolute minimum’.
Six antennas will be removed and six new ones installed along with other operational equipment, but any visual impact would be significantly outweighed by the immense benefits of the new 5G connectivity, Cellnex said.
The increased 5G coverage is in very high demand, it said.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 23/01617/FUL and 23/01618/LBC, on the Isle of Wight council’s planning register.
The public consultation runs until 27th October 2023.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
