New mobile mast at roundabout
A 5G MAST will be erected beside one of Southport’s busiest roundabouts to help deliver faster internet connections.
The 20m (65ft) tower, with 12 antennae, will replace existing equipment next to Kew roundabout after plans were approved by Sefton Council.
5G is the next generation of mobile data communications, with mobile internet speeds potentially several times greater than that of 4G,
The proposal is an upgrade by EE and Three aimed at both providing 5G services in the area and improving existing 4G provision.
The introduction of the technology has been fought in many towns and cities, with campaigners claiming more information is needed to determine whether the masts could be dangerous to those living nearby.
Conspiracy theories surrounding 5G technology have been shared far and wide on social media.
Earlier this month, the international body in charge of setting limits on exposure to radiation – the International Commission on Non‐ Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) – updated its guidelines to make clear that the technology was safe.
The proposed site for Southport would be surrounded by supermarkets, retail parks, McDonald’s and the Old Duke pub and would be passed by heavy traffic every day.
The application states: “It is considered that this proposal is the optimum solution in terms of providing 5G provision from a single site for two operators, minimising any adverse impacts on local amenity.
“The height of the proposed mast (at 20 metres to the top) is the absolute operational minimum to clear the immediate environment and provide coverage.”