WORK to install a Government-funded pilot scheme to test a next generation 5G mobile network in Bath city centre is set to start later this summer.

The scheme aims to address the connectivity and capacity issues relating to mobile network coverage which Bath experiences.

It has received a Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Works and will see a network of around 16 small low power cell radio units installed in key locations on lamp posts around the heart of the city.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “Many of us are familiar with the poor mobile phone reception areas in the city centre, especially on busy days when, with the current system, it is difficult to even send texts and make phone calls.

“We have carried out surveys and many residents cite connectivity issues, reliability and cost as a barrier to accessing services and information online.”

The £773,132 government grant will fund the pilot scheme which will involve between 200 to 300 volunteers, from a broad mix of local communities, testing the new 5G network. If successful, there would be an opportunity to open up the network to the wider public following consultation in mid 2025.   

During a pilot phase, a specific SIM card will be provided for users to test the network and at least 200 high-specification handsets will be provided to volunteers in order to test the network’s resilience and performance in managing high demand in a dense environment.

The Roman Baths and Bath Rugby Stadium are potential indoor locations for additional radio units, operating at around 4 GHz frequency, compared to WiFi routers at 2.4 or 5 GHz.

During the pilot phase a number of test events will also take place where users place high demand on the network at the same time and location, with the potential for more realistic testing to occur during future events such as sports fixtures and the Bath Christmas Market.

A Single Member Decision report which went before Councillor Roper earlier this year, highlighted a market failure in the sector, with lack of investment from private telecoms companies which is exacerbated by UK Government restricting some international vendors.

The grant for the One Word pilot came from the DSIT's ONE fund, aimed at overcoming barriers to open mobile networks adoption through trials and development of Open RAN solutions.