Plans to replace an existing telecoms mast with a 5G one in Oxford have been submitted.
Mobile infrastructure services company Cornerstone want to replace an existing 15m telecoms base station West of Littlemore Roundabout on Eastern By-Pass Road, Rose Hill, with an upgraded 20 m one that can support 5G.
5G is the latest upgrade in wireless infrastructure, with a greater bandwidth, giving higher download speeds, and better connectivity.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Digital and Broadband Matt Warman said: “Digital connectivity is - now, more than ever - vital to enable people to stay connected and businesses to grow.
"The demand for mobile data is increasing rapidly, and the Covid - 19 pandemic has highlighted how important it is that we have access to reliable, high-quality mobile connectivity.
"More than any previous generation of mobile network, 5G has the potential to transform the way we live and improve economic productivity.
"Networks will have the capacity for millions more devices to be connected at the same time, enabling businesses and communities to operate more efficiently."
The government have a target for the majority of the UK population to have access to a 5G signal by 2027 and to extend 4G mobile geographical coverage to 95% of the UK by 2025.
READ MORE: Planning round-up: 'immersive' 3D cinema, new wine bar, and 5G mast
Public Health England’s advice on the health impact of 5G is: “It is possible that there may be a small increase in overall exposure to radio waves when 5g is added to an existing network or in a new area.
"However, the overall exposure is expected to remain low relative to guidelines, and as such, there should be no consequences for public health.”
ICNIRP, the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, submitted a declaration for this planning application confirming that it complies with their safety measures and will not cause interference with other electrical equipment, air traffic services, or instrumentation operated in the national interest.
In order to put up the mast, a tree stump will need to be removed but the implication for tree cover at the site is deemed 'minimal'.
The application was received and validated on February 9, and the Latest Neighbour Consultation Date is February 21.
The Determination Deadline is April 6, 2022.
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