5G Heads to Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes set to become testbed for 5G technology in a UK-first £8.7million project.

06:01 20 April 2020

A network of seven 5G masts is set to be built in Milton Keynes in a UK-first £8.7 million project to test the technology. The network will be created in partnership with Huawei, BT and City Fibre "within a few months." All the seven masts will be owned and operated by Milton Keynes Council, the application documents have revealed. 

 

The MK:5G - Connecting Communities project, which will allow experts in the city to determine various 5G applications for a range of uses, is fully funded by the Government, the South East Midland Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) and project partners. The technology is expected to make a huge difference in the city's transport network by using data to help people easily move around the city. It is also expected to help the council reduce energy costs and improve the delivery of health care services. 

 

The seven masts, which height ranges from 12.4 m and 22.4 m, will be placed on Midsummer Boulevard, Pagoda Roundabout, Peartree Bridge, outside MacDonald's off V7 Saxon Street and on Chippenham Drive. 

 

The application documents, which claim that the whole system can be expanded once all the seven masts are in place, are open for public comment on the council's planning website.